He arguably represented some of the worst vices of humanity, and in saving innocent lives he demonstrates some of the best characteristics of humanity. His choosing to squander his ability and intellect by drinking to excess shows great foolishness, yet his decision to save his friends shows a degree of wisdom. It is also important to notice the religious implications of this quotation. The reference to the time of the novel as one of "belief" can be interpreted to refer to religious belief, especially given the large amount of imagery and passages related to Christ and the concept of redemption. Lastly, it is worth noting that Carton's sacrifice is one which may make him worthy of going to a celestial paradise, while his previous actions certainly seem to incline him towards an afterlife in hell. Essentially, this passage foreshadows the extreme character changes that Carton goes through, while emphasizing the...
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