Dickens’s art of characterization with reference to Lucie Manette
A Tale of Two Cities is a notable literary work by Charles Dickens. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the main text, key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary Devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of A Tale of Two Cities.
Answer
Comment on Dickens’s art of characterization with reference to Lucie Manette. or
Sketch the Character of Lucie Manette.
A Tale of Two Cities (1859) is a memorable literary work by the Victorian novelist Charles Dickens (1812-1870). In Dickens’ characterization, we see two kinds of characters, good and bad. Lucy Manette, the novel’s heroine, plays a notable role in this novel. She is a young woman with a light and beautiful figure, golden hair, and blue eyes. She has most of the good qualities that women can acquire.
The Character of Lucie Manette: Lucie is a realistic and lovely character. After surveying the novel, we see various features of his character. Let’s discuss below.
Identity of Lucie Manette: Lucie Manette is the devoted daughter of Dr. Alexander Manet. She was born in Paris but grew up in London. As the heroine, she married Charles Darnay, the novel’s protagonist.
Loving and beautiful young girl: Lucy Manette is a loving and beautiful young woman. In this novel, when we first see her, she is a young woman under seventeen. Dickens describes Lucy with a light, slender physique, golden hair, and blue eyes. By observing the attractive physical structure, Mr. Stryver, Sidney Carton, and Charles Darney fell in love with Luce. But she likes Darney and marries him as her life partner.
Motivator of Selfless Love: Dr. Manette lost his physical and mental strength after his eighteen-year imprisonment. But by his daughter’s deep love and affection, he was resurrected and able to regain physical and mental strength. Her selfless love for the father inspires us and conveys that love is an infallible medicine for good health.
Sympathetic and Merciful: Lucie Manette is a sympathetic and merciful woman in “A Tale of Two Cities.” When Carton, loaded by his past, despairs about his future, Lucie suggests Carton hope and says that Carton has enough opportunities to rectify himself. Lucy’s statement gives Carton hope to lead a good life and the opportunity to transform himself. Family, Carton rectifies himself and sacrifices his life to save Darney’s life. He says before his death,
“I see a beautiful city and brilliant people rising from this abyss.”
Owner of Tender Heart: Lucie’s tender heart shines on Carton’s life and lights up Charles Darnay’s life. She shows deep sympathy for him when Darney faces treason charges. Lucie’s Tender Heart, kindness and understanding of other situations make her a sympathetic character in the novel.
Symbol of Hope: Throughout the novel, Lucie acts as a symbol of hope and goodness. Her mere presence has the power to inspire others and ignite favourable change. Dickens portrays her as a representation of light in the darkness of the revolution.
Sensitive Wife: Lucie Manette, the diplomatic and Sensitive wife. She displays tireless devotion and compassion towards her husband. She visits him daily in prison. Her father tells her that “if she stood on the street in the afternoon, her husband would be able to see her through the prison window.” Besides, When she meets with Madame Defarge, she earnestly prays for sympathy and shows her deep emotional sensitivity. Lucy’s character beautifully symbolises love and support during challenging times.
Patient and Realistic Woman: Lucy Manette is a lifelike and patient woman. She never accused her fate. Even she spent her early life as an orphan despite not being an orphan. After marrying Charles Darney, she has to live a painful life because of Madame Defarge and the revolutionaries. But she is never disappointed. The final part of the play at the time is when her husband Charles Darney is sentenced to death by a jury board; she tries to keep her husband courageous. She says:
” I can bear it, dear Charles; I am supported from above. Don’t suffer for me.”
The above line indicates Lucy as a tolerant and realistic woman.
In short, Lucie Manette symbolises purity, compassion, and selflessness in “A Tale of Two Cities,”. She is an unforgettable and inspiring character. Dickens masterfully crafts her character to show human emotions and virtues. Lucie is a paradigm of the strength of love and sacrifice during the chaotic French Revolution.