Charles Darnay
Charles Darnay
One of the main protagonists, Charles Darnay, is a righteous, genuine, and courageous man who symbolizes the goodness during the French Revolution. For example, Darnay loathes the aristocratic family, the Evrémondes, which he is born into, so he gives up his inheritance. He tells his uncle, the Marquis, “This property and France are lost to me. I renounce them” (129). Charles Darnay believes that his family acts wrongly, therefore, he does not want to associate with them. His words show that he does not care about wealth or power. Instead, he wants to do what is right for the people of France. Moreover, Darnay is sincere in everything he says. He tells Dr. Manette, “My present name, though but slightly changed from my mother’s, is not, as you will remember, my own. I wish to tell you what that is, and why I am in England” (140). Darnay feels he does not need to conceal anything about himself to Dr. Manette, especially his real name. He loves Lucie and wants to get her father’s approval by being honest in his identity. This shows how trustworthy he is as a husband and son-in-law. Furthermore, Darnay would go out of his way to save someone he loves. After Gabelle, Evrémondes’ servant, is thrown into prison, Darnay attempts to save him, “Upon those had followed Gabelle’s letter: the appeal of an innocent prisoner, in danger of death, to his justice, honour, and good name. His resolution was made. He must go to Paris” (240). Charles will risk his own life to save those around him. He believes he is obligated to take action because he feels guilty that an innocent servant of his family is in trouble. Although he is courageous, he is also naïve for going to France amidst the fervent revolution. Charles Darnay is a virtuous, honest, and gallant man who has all the qualities of a true hero.
One of the main protagonists, Charles Darnay, is a righteous, genuine, and courageous man who symbolizes the goodness during the French Revolution. For example, Darnay loathes the aristocratic family, the Evrémondes, which he is born into, so he gives up his inheritance. He tells his uncle, the Marquis, “This property and France are lost to me. I renounce them” (129). Charles Darnay believes that his family acts wrongly, therefore, he does not want to associate with them. His words show that he does not care about wealth or power. Instead, he wants to do what is right for the people of France. Moreover, Darnay is sincere in everything he says. He tells Dr. Manette, “My present name, though but slightly changed from my mother’s, is not, as you will remember, my own. I wish to tell you what that is, and why I am in England” (140). Darnay feels he does not need to conceal anything about himself to Dr. Manette, especially his real name. He loves Lucie and wants to get her father’s approval by being honest in his identity. This shows how trustworthy he is as a husband and son-in-law. Furthermore, Darnay would go out of his way to save someone he loves. After Gabelle, Evrémondes’ servant, is thrown into prison, Darnay attempts to save him, “Upon those had followed Gabelle’s letter: the appeal of an innocent prisoner, in danger of death, to his justice, honour, and good name. His resolution was made. He must go to Paris” (240). Charles will risk his own life to save those around him. He believes he is obligated to take action because he feels guilty that an innocent servant of his family is in trouble. Although he is courageous, he is also naïve for going to France amidst the fervent revolution. Charles Darnay is a virtuous, honest, and gallant man who has all the qualities of a true hero.