In Chapter 5 of Book the Second of A Tale of Two
Cities, it is a dissipated Sydney Carton, the "jackal" who allows himself to
be exploited by the lion, C.J.Stryver. In Victorian times, alchoholism was considered a
character flaw rather than a disease, so it would seem that Carton's weakness is his
drinking. But, it seems that this drinking comes from his disappointment in himself
that he is too submissive. Even when he was in law school, Carton did the work of
others and neglected his own. While Carton complains of his luck, Stryver, much like
Brutus's friend Cassius in Julius Caesar, chastises Carton for
failing to create his own fate. Further, Stryver recognizes the personality weaknesses
in Sydney Carton:
readability="6">“the old seesaw Sydney. Up one minute‚ and down
the next; now in spirits‚ and now in
despondency!”Apparently,
Carton lacks the self-confidence of Stryver, who "shoulders" his way through life, by
exploiting others and by literally pushing his competitors out of the way. Carton is
not content with himself; he knows that he could be more, but for whatever reasons, he
lacks either the drive or the real desire to be in a position such as Stryver. Perhaps
he is too meek, perhaps he is not secure enough with his talents. But, for whatever
reason Sydney Carton has not been successful and dynamic. Dickens writes that he has
"waste forces within him, and a desert all around him." But, briefly, there is "a
mirage of honourable ambition, self-denial, and perseverance." As he lies down in his
"neglected bed," Sydney Carton sheds "wasted tears" for what he knows he could have been
if he had been stronger and more driven.
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