What do you think? *spoilers*

Today I found out that a really good friend of mine read A Tale of Two Cities while she was on vacation. There were several long moments of shock and disbelief, followed by hugs and joyful celebration! Whenever I find out someone has read, or is at least familiar with, AToTC, it almost always makes my day. If they are interested in talking about the book or the characters (especially Sydney!!!), my day is made twice...

*MAJOR SPOILER! IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE END OF A TALE OF TWO CITIES, DO NOT READ FURTHER! YOU WILL REGRET IT IF YOU DISREGARD THIS WARNING! SO DON'T DO IT!!!*

As we were chatting, I wondered aloud whether Sydney's act at the end of A Tale of Two Cities was committed a) in hopes of atoning for his unruly past, or b) in hopes of redeeming himself and therefore saving himself. What do you think?

I don't think Sydney was relying on himself for his salvation, though we don't know a LOT about Sydney's spiritual beliefs in particular. (Then again, it's been ages since I've read ATotC, it's probably time to read it once more!) My friend and I did agree, however, that Sydney desired to make up for his wasted life by giving his life in exchange for another. What say you?

Btw...happy new year. And Valentine's Day. And all the other holidays between the last post and this one...