Sydney Carton is a disappointed idealist. After the trial
of Charles Darnay in which he has saved Darnay from the charge of treason by reason of
questionable doubt as to his having been the man whom Roger Cly and John Basard
identified, Mr. Lorry speaks about having to "think of the House more than ourselves."
But, when Carton agrees, Mr. Lorry, somewhat offended,
replies,
...If you'll excuse me, as very much your elder,
for saying so, I really don't know that it is your
business."
"Business! Bless you, I
have no business," said Mr. Carton.
"It's a pity you have
not, sir."
"I think so
too."
Then, when Mr. Lorry
suggests he should attend to it if he were to have business, Mr. Carton exclaims, "Lord
love you, no!--I shouldn't." At this show of indifference, Mr. Lorry is upset, and
departs. But, since Charles Darnay feels weak, Carton takes him to a tavern where he
can dine while Sydney drinks.and speaks in a "half-insolent manner." As Darnay takes
leave of him, Carton tells his double, "I am a disappointing drudge." And, after Darnay
is gone, Mr. Carton berates himself while looking into a
mirror,
"Do
you particularly like the man?....Ah, confound you! What change you have made in
yourself! A good reason for taking to a man that he shows you what you have fallen away
from, and what you might have
been!
Then, Carton, who is an
alcoholic--merely a character flaw in Victorian times--drinks himself into a stupor and
passes out.
Sydney Carton, "idlest and most unpromising of
men, was Stryver's great ally." Sydney is used by Stryver to sift through the briefs
and provide Stryver the important information. Carton allows this condition of
exploitation because he belives that he is not quite worthy of success, instead
considering himself an unlucky fellow and one that is destined to be used. Much like a
youth, Carton remains too idealistic, and cannot, therefore, imagine himself ever able
to achieve such a high standard as the one for which he has set
himself.
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