In which Charles Dickens novel does Sydney Carton die on the guillotine in place of Charles Darnay, whom he resembles?

Charles Dickens' iconic historical novel, "A Tale of Two Cities," is indeed the work in which the dissolute but ultimately noble Sydney Carton makes the ultimate sacrifice, dying on the guillotine in place of Charles Darnay. The story, set against the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution in Paris and London, hinges on the striking physical resemblance between the two men. This likeness is first used to Darnay's advantage when Carton, a cynical English barrister, helps to secure Darnay's acquittal from treason charges in England by highlighting their similar appearance.

As the narrative progresses, Darnay, a French aristocrat who has renounced his family's cruel legacy, finds himself condemned to death by the revolutionary tribunal in Paris. Driven by his deep, unrequited love (Review) for Darnay's wife, Lucie Manette, Carton devises a daring plan. He drugs Darnay in prison and, using their uncanny resemblance, takes his place to face the guillotine. Carton's selfless act of redemption, encapsulated in his famous last words, "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known," underscores the novel's profound themes of sacrifice, resurrection, and the transformative power of love.

Published in 1859, "A Tale of Two Cities" remains one of Dickens' most enduring works, exploring social injustice, the destructive nature of revenge, and the potential for individual heroism amidst societal upheaval. The vivid portrayal of the French Revolution, with its stark contrasts between the opulence of the aristocracy and the suffering of the common people, provides a powerful historical context for Carton's personal journey from apathy to profound purpose.