Sydney Carton is a character in Charles Dickens' novel "A Tale of Two Cities." He is a complex and multifaceted character who is deeply troubled and self-loathing, yet possesses great intelligence, wit, and a capacity for self-sacrifice. Throughout the novel, Sydney Carton utters a number of memorable quotes that reveal his thoughts and feelings about himself, his circumstances, and the world around him.
One of the most poignant quotes from Sydney Carton is, "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known." This quote comes at the end of the novel, when Carton has made the decision to sacrifice his own life in order to save the life of Charles Darnay, a man he loves but cannot have. This quote speaks to Carton's deep sense of self-loathing and his belief that he is unworthy of happiness. He sees himself as a wasted and wasted life, and believes that his death will serve a greater purpose and bring some meaning to his existence.
Another notable quote from Sydney Carton is, "I see that I hold a sanctuary in their hearts, and in the hearts of their descendants, generations hence. I see her, an old woman, weeping for me on the anniversary of this day. I see her and her husband, their course done, lying side by side in their last earthly bed, and I know that each was not more honoured and held sacred in the other's soul, than I was in the souls of both." This quote comes from a conversation between Carton and Darnay in which Carton reflects on the fact that he will be remembered for his self-sacrifice, even though he has done little else with his life. This quote speaks to Carton's deep longing for meaning and purpose, and his belief that his death will be a noble and meaningful act.
Sydney Carton's final quote, "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known," is a poignant and tragic reminder of the depth of Carton's self-loathing and his desire for redemption. Despite his many flaws and mistakes, Carton ultimately finds a way to redeem himself through his selfless act of sacrifice. His words serve as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for self-sacrifice and the enduring power of love.