The French Revolution began in 1789, inspired by the American Revolution, which ended just 6 years before the French Revolution began. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is set during the French Revolution for about half the novel. Dickens focuses on a theme involving the sacrifices made by certain characters just before the French Revolution and during the Revolution using many examples to develop the theme. He developed the theme of sacrifice for others in the name of something or someone throughout the book through the sacrifices of Manette's sanity for Lucie Manette to marry Charles Darnay, Darnay's freedom to return to France to help Gabelle out of prison and Sydney Carton gives up her life so that Darnay lives. Near the beginning of the novel, Doctor Alexandre Manette sacrifices his sanity so that Lucie Manette can marry Charles Darnay. Dickens initially describes Manette's thoughts regarding the proclaimed marriage by writing: “Evidently there was a struggle in his face; a struggle with that occasional look that tended towards dark doubt and terror. (Dickens 103). Manette is struggling to decide whether or not to let his beloved daughter marry Darnay because he is unsure of her mental stability; Manette doesn't know if he will relapse into his unhealthy mental state after captivity. He doubts he will be able to stay sane or go back to making shoes. However, Manette also doubts Darnay's story. Finally, Manette says to Darnay: "You speak so heartfelt and manly, Charles Darnay, that I thank you with all my heart and will open to you my whole heart, or almost." (103). These words explain this because of Darnay's honesty about his feelings and his obvious love towards... middle of the card... and her love. His love for the two girls is so great that he will sacrifice his life for them to be happy. Manette's sacrifices of sanity for Lucie Manette to marry Charles Darnay, Darnay's freedom to return to France to help Gabelle out of prison, and Sydney Carton giving up her life so Darnay can live are examples of the theme of sacrifice for others in the name of something used to develop this theme throughout the book. The themes convey Dickens' story very well and make for a suspenseful read. Dickens uses themes along with foreshadowing and symbolism to create suspense and mystery. A Tale of Two Cities would most likely not have had the success and fame it has if it were not for Dickens' superlative use of theme, foreshadowing, and symbolism. Works CitedDickens, Charles. A tale of two cities. Mineola: Dover, 1999. Print.