Sacrifice Theme in A Tale of Two Cities Essay Example

Imagine being a person who gives up everything in their life simply to better the life of another or limit their inconveniences. This is the reality for many characters in Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities, who collectively sacrifice in order to help or better Lucie Mannettes life. These harsh mental and physical sacrifices help to show each of the character's values as well as their intense connection to Lucie. Although there are plenty of characters who give up everything for her betterment, Miss Pross sacrifices the most ultimately devoting her life to protect Lucie. 

Once Dr. Manette was placed into prison, that was when the value of what Miss Pross wanted to do with her life no longer mattered. Lucie provided much for Miss Pross as she did not have any children of her own so it was easy for her to give up everything for her surrogate daughter. They were placed together when Lucie was young, “ I could have afforded to keep either myself or her for nothing--since she was ten years old” (Dickens 87). As she began to take care of Lucie, there were numerous burdens placed upon them as she was a single “mother”. However, these challenges never put any damper in Miss Pross’s love for this child nor her will to give her everything in life. This does not go unnoticed as Mr. Lorry says, “ there is nothing in it better than the faithful service of the heart; so rendered and so free from any mercenary taint” (Dickens 88). As the novel progresses and their relationship develops that much more, suitors begin to arise for Lucie. Miss Pross rebels against this idea believing no one was enough for her Lucie, not even Charles. Although when she saw how happy her “daughter “ was she was forced to push her feelings aside, “Miss Pross—to whom the event, through a gradual process of reconcilement to the inevitable, would have been one of absolute bliss” (Dickens 183).  Pross gave up so much for Lucie and when it was time to let go of the only true family she did so even though it hurt her. From the beginning, Miss Pross has devoted her life to ensuring Lucie has whatever she could need and continued even after her “daughter” left.

Despite making daily sacrifices for Lucie, her ultimate sacrifice was when she put her own life on the line for Lucie’s family. Miss Pross gave up countless things in her life to protect Lucie and even lost things of great importance. Once Lucie’s life was threatened Miss Pross was ready for the biggest sacrifice to ensure her family's safety. As Pross learned of Madame Defarge’s plan she took action, “I am desperate. I don't care an English Twopence for myself. I know that the longer I keep you here, the greater hope there is for my Ladybird. I'll not leave a handful of that dark hair upon your head, if you lay a finger on me!” (Dickens 351). As she said these things to Madame Defarge she knew that she was risking it all. Eventually, her motherly instincts kicked in and nothing else mattered at that moment except giving it her all in order to win. She faced Madame Defarge in a fight to give Lucie more time, “It was in vain for Madame Defarge to struggle and strike; Miss Pross, with her vigorous tenacity of love, always so much stronger than hate, clasped her tight, and even lifted her from the floor in the struggle they had” (Dickens 352). Dickens describes to the reader that the love she had for Lucie was the driving force in her battle and gave her more strength than ever before. As it grew tenser a gun was pulled and Miss Pross still fought and won proving love is indeed stronger than hate. After the fight she not only gave up her reputation for Lucie but also lost her hearing,  “I feel,” said Miss Pross, “as if there had been a flash and a crash, and that crash was the last thing I should ever hear in this life.” (Dickens 353.) This last act of selflessness ended someone's life and took away Miss Pross’s hearing truly showing to what lengths she was willing to go to for Lucie. 

Many characters lost things they cared deeply about throughout the novel however Miss Pross gave her entire existence to Lucie. She made many choices that only benefited Lucie and her greatest sacrifices were at the hands of her heart suggesting she values the people she calls family more than anything else.  In the end, Miss Pross gave up all that she could mentally and physically for a person that was not her own blood proving she sacrificed the most in this novel.