We live our lives, guided by the spirit of the hero within, for trapped inside us all lies the underappreciated hero striving for a way out among our souls. People come across things that need help, some walk away, others release the hero within them and save the day. And for just a moment become the world to somebody or save the world for a family. We look for this trait in others hoping someone cares enough to release their hero trait to save us from our miserable day. Sometimes it is a simple act of kindness, other times we find the brave soul that would lay down their life so that we can live another day.
Sydney Carton is this person for Lucy. Love is a silly little thing that drives the best part of our actions. Love leads to loss but not before triumph captures two souls in happiness. When we are first introduced to Sydney Carton he is a pathetic drunk, a sad little man with no respect of himself or anyone else. He is the brains behind Stryver, the brave talkative lion. And he the haggard jackal awaiting death with joy and caring little of his impact on the world. “I care for no man on earth, and no man on earth cares for me” (Dickens 91). Carton was a smart man in his day but was always hidden but the ominous shadow of Stryver, who treated Carton more like a jackal then that of a human being. Somewhere down the line of his life Carton loss his way, there was never enough love for him and he sank into the bottomless abyss that was to be his life.
His life, so empty, with nights in bars, and days of endless abuse from his superior, was soon filled with that pretty face that he, amongst others, fell in love with at first sight. Her name was Lucy and her face was Carton’s saving grace. Love is strong when it is true and the deeds that are done while under the spell of love are immense. “If my career were of that better kind that there was any opportunity or capacity of sacrifice in it, I would embrace any sacrifice for you and for those dear to you” (Dickens 156). Carton vows to give his life to make Lucy happy. He knows that his drunken reputation and haggard appearance could never belong to such a pretty face and instead of giving his heart to her soul he gives his soul to her heart.
By the end of the novel Carton proves loyal to his vow. He sees the happiness Lucy has with Darney and the deep misery she expresses with him gone. There will always be an empty whole in her heart with Darney gone. Unable to bear the misery that Lucy holds in her heart Carton is obliged to do something to ease her pain. His life means nothing to him, and his life means little to Lucy when compared to that of Darney’s. Carton is Lucy’s hero, he is her savior, he holds true to his word. At the expense of his life he releases Darney, releases the misery so heavy drooped over Lucy’s shoulders. “They said of him, about the city that night, that it was the peacefullest man’s face ever beheld there. Many added that he looked sublime and prophetic” (Dickens 366). Carton was ready to die for Lucy the moment he laid his dark haggard eyes on hers, he was ready to die for her the moment he confessed his love, he died for her when that sharp maiden forever left his soul in darkness.
