“On meurt deux fois, je le vois bien :
>
Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable,
>
C’est une mort insupportable :
>
Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”. Source
This poignant French verse, discovered among Sydney Carton’s papers, foreshadows the profound sacrifice he makes in Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. It translates to: “We die twice, I see it well: To cease to love and be lovable is an insupportable death: To cease to live is nothing.” This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of Carton’s final, heroic act. His famous last words, envisioning a peaceful future for those he loves, represent the “last dream of my soul.” They are not just words of farewell. Instead, they are a powerful testament to redemption, love, and the ultimate meaning found in selfless sacrifice.
. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens – Project Gutenberg
The Context of Carton’s Sacrifice
To understand the weight of this dream, we must first recall Sydney Carton‘s journey. Throughout most of the novel, Dickens presents him as a listless and cynical lawyer. He wastes his brilliant mind on alcohol and apathy. Carton sees himself as a man beyond hope, living a life devoid of purpose. His only redeeming quality is his deep, unrequited love for Lucie Manette. This love, however, becomes the catalyst for his transformation.
When Lucie’s husband, Charles Darnay, is sentenced to death by the guillotine during the French Revolution, Carton sees his chance. He recognizes the profound despair his death would cause Lucie. Therefore, he devises a plan to switch places with Darnay in prison. His final moments are spent not in fear, but in a prophetic vision—a dream of the happy, full life his sacrifice will provide for Lucie, her husband, and their children. This act gives his squandered life a meaning it never had before.
Unpacking the Dream: Love and Redemption
The phrase “the last dream of my soul” encapsulates several powerful ideas. Primarily, it is a dream born of selfless love. Charles Dickens expects no reward or recognition for his actions. His sole motivation is Lucie’s happiness. He imagines her future, seeing her family grow and thrive in a world free from the terror he helps them escape. This vision comforts him, confirming that his death is not an end but a noble contribution to the lives of others.
Furthermore, this dream is the ultimate act of redemption. Carton redeems his past failures and self-perceived worthlessness. He proves that even a life marred by regret can conclude with profound grace and purpose. Experts often point to Carton’s arc as one of the most compelling examples of personal transformation in classic literature. . His sacrifice is not just for Darnay, but for his own soul, allowing him to find peace and honor in his final hour. Source
. Charles Dickens – University of Pennsylvania Digital Library
A Vision for a Better Future
Carton’s dream extends beyond the immediate family. He foresees a more just and peaceful Paris rising from the ashes of the Revolution. He dreams of Lucie’s children and grandchildren remembering him with honor. Specifically, he imagines a son named after him who will live out the successful life that he himself could not. This forward-looking vision transforms his death from a tragic end into a far, far better thing.
This prophetic element elevates his sacrifice. He is not merely dying; he is actively creating a better future. The dream provides him, and the reader, with a sense of hope amid the novel’s darkness. It reinforces the central theme that sacrifice can lead to rebirth and that love is a force powerful enough to overcome even death itself. Ultimately, Carton’s last dream is a beautiful, poignant summary of a life made meaningful at its very end.