Dickens also primarily focuses on dehumanization, for the purpose of criticizing the French government and its justice system. Doctor Manette is imprisoned and even though the reason behind it remains a mystery for the most part of the novel, Dickens conveys how he struggles to move on from his haunted past. Jean Valjean differs from Doctor Manette as Manette becomes feeble and is weakened by years of prison instead of a search for vengeance and overpowering hatred, which still contributes to the commencement of the revolution. Dickens delineates Manette’s dehumanization through his insane habits, unusual relationship with his daughter and his fragility. When his daughter arrives to retrieve him from the Defarge Wine House after he has been
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When Doctor Manette recognizes his daughter after several minutes in which she has been in the room, she nurses him back to life, which is described as “She held him closer round the neck, and rocked him on her breast like a child” (39). Dickens referring to body parts such as “neck” and “breast” suggest that Lucie adopts the role of a mother while her father looks for serenity in their closeness. Through Lucie comforting Doctor Manette, the pace of the scene becomes tender. Manette is not overwhelmed by his task of shoemaking but is rather illustrated as a helpless old man seeking solace in his daughter’s arms. Contrary to Jean Valjean, Doctor Manette is characterized by his frailness, which is also depicted through his voice. “So entirely had it lost the life and resonance of the human voice, that it affected the senses like a once beautiful color faded away into a poor weak stain” (33). Dickens reflects Manette’s changed personality; he has become a pathetic child. Through his characterization of Monsieur Manette Dickens, similar to Hugo, touches upon the state of the lower class and how difficult it could be to escape the remnants of its sufferings. Through the character of Doctor Manette, Dickens demonstrates that unjust systemhow suffering through the corrupt justice system could
When Doctor Manette recognizes his daughter after several minutes in which she has been in the room, she nurses him back to life, which is described as “She held him closer round the neck, and rocked him on her breast like a child” (39). Dickens referring to body parts such as “neck” and “breast” suggest that Lucie adopts the role of a mother while her father looks for serenity in their closeness. Through Lucie comforting Doctor Manette, the pace of the scene becomes tender. Manette is not overwhelmed by his task of shoemaking but is rather illustrated as a helpless old man seeking solace in his daughter’s arms. Contrary to Jean Valjean, Doctor Manette is characterized by his frailness, which is also depicted through his voice. “So entirely had it lost the life and resonance of the human voice, that it affected the senses like a once beautiful color faded away into a poor weak stain” (33). Dickens reflects Manette’s changed personality; he has become a pathetic child. Through his characterization of Monsieur Manette Dickens, similar to Hugo, touches upon the state of the lower class and how difficult it could be to escape the remnants of its sufferings. Through the character of Doctor Manette, Dickens demonstrates that unjust systemhow suffering through the corrupt justice system could