EOI Goya English Department

  Sobre esta web
Carnation  

Students' Webpage

A Tale of Two Men
by María de la Iglesia Mata (2008-09, 5º B)

It was the resemblance itself, it was the embodiment of disparity, it was the time of trust, it was the time of treason, it was the stage of giving, it was the stage of receiving, it was the occasion of defense, it was the occasion of crime, it was the feeling of modesty, it was the feeling of vanity, it was the expression of subtleness, it was the expression of insolence, it was the epoch of honour, it was the epoch of rebellion, it was the call to Death, it was the call to Life.

There were a man of good abilities and good emotions and a man with some evidences of having commited high treason or, at least, of being a dangerous criminal –as he was pointed out by the mirror over the heads of those who were to be executed-,  whose ways were crossed in the middle of the mud of a deadly inn-yard called Old Bailey. Two men, two souls. At a time when whatever was, was right, two lives were put together: Mr. Carton was to save, Mr. Darnay was to be saved. So handsome and well grown were they, that the audience that used to pay to see such a spectacle thought they were drops from the same fountain. But never such a similarity in features had made a stronger difference in human nature. That similarity and the scoundrels as accusers brought freedom to Mr. Darnay.

A meeting between these two gentlemen in a tavern of Fleet Street threw light on both personalities, and was enough to see they hated each other. They tried to keep up appariences till it was not possible anymore. Mr. Carton showing himself as a drunkard eager to forget the world, Mr. Darnay had come back to life. This fact made the former be a hopeless case, without any hope for his own salvation, just trying to mend his supposed error doing things for the others, not wanting any thanks nor meriting any. On the other hand, Mr. Darnay believed himself superior, behaved haughtily though gratefully, not uttering polite words but annoying ones. Mr. Carton is sure of his worth, but despises and wastes it. He lacks perseverance, so only uses his brain to help his friend and colleague Mr. Stryver. Mr. Darnay is very confident, greedy for justice and rebellion and fight. We still have to find out whether he does it with good or bad intentions…

Since it could not be any other way, not only does this juncture link both men, but also a young woman, of golden hair and a slight pretty figure, of an age to be loved by anyone who sets eyes on her. Who knows who will win in this time of competition which takes place in two cities.

(466 words)