Charles Dickens' novel, A Tale of Two Cities, is a story based in a very specific set of historical events, while his characterizations and plot developments are independent of historical representations. One of the many major themes in this novel is that of sacrifice, and the significance of this type of action on the individuals who make the sacrifice as well as those who benefit from it. There are many instances in Dickens' novel that demonstrates this theme and it has been readily recognized as a major repetitive theme in Dickens' literature.
             The plot of A Tale of Two Cities is developed around historical events of 18th century France and England, with most of the novel based in events during the French Revolution. The novel follows the characters between England and France and the development of the peasant rebellion that is the focus of the French Revolution becomes the basis for major thematic and plot considerations in the novel.
             Charles Darnay is a character that embodies the conflict between the ordinary man and the aristocracy of France. Though his real name is Charles St. Evrémonde, he changes it when he gives up his estate in France and moves to England. He denounces his French heritage and his personal affiliation with the French aristocracy because of his disdain for their actions and his disagreement with French policy. Though he significantly removes himself from his heritage, he cannot put enough distance between himself and the peasant rebellion who hope to wipe out all of the French aristocrats.
             Darnay's characterization presents one of Dickens' major dilemmas, the conflict between the morality of family codes and the social ethics of political conformity. It is not within Darnay's reach to prove his distance from the oppressive French political structures to the rallying peasant rebellion. His personal sacrifices, his ability to ...