“Babylon Revisited” is a short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and first published in 1931. The story follows the main character, Charlie Wales, as he returns to Paris to try to regain custody of his daughter after losing everything during the stock market crash of 1929. Fitzgerald’s tale explores themes of regret, redemption, and the consequences of one’s past actions. In this article, we will provide a concise summary of “Babylon Revisited” and delve into the key themes and motifs that make this story a classic of American literature.
Background Information
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Babylon Revisited” was first published in the Saturday Evening Post in February 1931. The story is set in Paris during the 1930s and follows the character of Charlie Wales, a former American expatriate who has returned to the city to try and regain custody of his daughter. The story is often seen as a reflection of Fitzgerald’s own life, as he too struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulties during this time. “Babylon Revisited” is considered one of Fitzgerald’s most poignant and powerful works, exploring themes of regret, redemption, and the fleeting nature of happiness.
The Plot
The plot of “Babylon Revisited” follows the story of Charlie Wales, a former wealthy American expatriate who returns to Paris in the 1930s to try and regain custody of his daughter, Honoria. Charlie’s past is haunted by his reckless behavior during the Roaring Twenties, which led to the death of his wife and his descent into alcoholism. As he tries to prove to his sister-in-law, Marion, and her husband, Lincoln, that he is now a responsible and sober parent, Charlie is confronted with the ghosts of his past, including his former lover, Lorraine, and her husband, Duncan Schaeffer. The story culminates in a heartbreaking realization for Charlie, as he comes to terms with the fact that he can never fully escape the consequences of his past actions.
Characters
The characters in “Babylon Revisited” are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own flaws and strengths. The protagonist, Charlie Wales, is a former party-goer who has since reformed and is trying to regain custody of his daughter. His sister-in-law, Marion, is a stern and judgmental woman who disapproves of Charlie’s past and current lifestyle. Marion’s husband, Lincoln, is more sympathetic towards Charlie and tries to help him in his quest to regain custody. Lorraine and Duncan, two former acquaintances of Charlie’s, represent his past and the wild lifestyle he used to lead. Each character plays a crucial role in the story, highlighting the themes of redemption, regret, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Setting
The setting of “Babylon Revisited” is Paris in the 1930s, a city that was still recovering from the aftermath of World War I. The story takes place during the Christmas season, which adds to the festive atmosphere of the city. The streets are decorated with lights and the shops are filled with holiday shoppers. However, beneath the surface, there is a sense of unease and uncertainty. The characters are all struggling to come to terms with their past mistakes and the consequences of their actions. The setting of Paris serves as a backdrop for the characters’ personal struggles, highlighting the contrast between the glamour and excitement of the city and the harsh realities of life.
Themes
One of the central themes in “Babylon Revisited” is the idea of redemption. The main character, Charlie Wales, is a former partygoer who has turned his life around and is now trying to regain custody of his daughter. Throughout the story, he struggles with his past mistakes and the consequences they have had on his life. Another theme is the idea of the American Dream and how it can be both achieved and lost. Charlie’s rise and fall in society reflect this theme, as he goes from being a successful businessman to a bankrupt alcoholic. Finally, the story explores the theme of nostalgia and the longing for a past that can never be regained. Charlie’s memories of Paris and his former life haunt him throughout the story, and he is forced to confront the reality that he can never go back to the way things were.
Symbols
One of the most prominent symbols in “Babylon Revisited” is the Ritz Hotel. The hotel represents Charlie’s past life of excess and indulgence, as well as his desire to return to that lifestyle. However, it also serves as a reminder of the consequences of his past actions and the loss of his family. Another symbol is the rain, which represents Charlie’s feelings of sadness and regret. The rain also serves as a metaphor for the cleansing and renewal of Charlie’s life. Finally, the name “Babylon” itself is a symbol of the decadence and excess of the 1920s, which Charlie is trying to escape and reconcile with in the story.
Style and Tone
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s writing style in “Babylon Revisited” is characterized by its elegance and sophistication. The tone of the story is melancholic and reflective, as the protagonist, Charlie Wales, grapples with his past mistakes and attempts to make amends. Fitzgerald’s use of vivid imagery and symbolism adds depth to the story, highlighting the themes of regret, redemption, and the fleeting nature of happiness. The dialogue between characters is sharp and witty, reflecting the social milieu of the time. Overall, Fitzgerald’s style and tone in “Babylon Revisited” contribute to the story’s enduring appeal and status as a classic of American literature.
Point of View
In “Babylon Revisited,” F. Scott Fitzgerald employs a third-person limited point of view to tell the story of Charlie Wales, a former partygoer who returns to Paris to reclaim custody of his daughter. By using this point of view, Fitzgerald allows readers to see the world through Charlie’s eyes while still maintaining a sense of objectivity. This allows readers to empathize with Charlie’s struggles and understand his motivations, while also recognizing the flaws in his character. Additionally, the limited perspective allows for a more focused narrative, as readers only see what Charlie sees and experience what he experiences. Overall, the point of view in “Babylon Revisited” is a crucial element in the story’s success, as it allows for a nuanced and engaging exploration of Charlie’s journey.
Significance of the Title
The title of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, “Babylon Revisited,” holds significant meaning in relation to the themes and motifs present throughout the narrative. The term “Babylon” refers to the ancient city in Mesopotamia known for its wealth, excess, and eventual downfall. In the story, the protagonist, Charlie Wales, is a former member of the wealthy elite in Paris during the 1920s, a time known for its decadence and excess. However, Charlie’s past actions and lifestyle have led to his downfall, and he now seeks to reclaim his life and his daughter. The title “Babylon Revisited” suggests that Charlie is attempting to revisit his former life of excess and wealth, but ultimately realizes the futility of such pursuits and seeks redemption instead. The title also alludes to the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, where humanity’s hubris and desire for power led to their downfall. Similarly, Charlie’s past actions and desires for wealth and excess have led to his downfall, and he must now seek to rebuild his life with humility and redemption.
Reception and Criticism
Babylon Revisited has received mixed reviews since its publication in 1931. Some critics have praised Fitzgerald’s ability to capture the essence of the Jazz Age and the consequences of excess, while others have criticized the story for being too sentimental and lacking in depth. Despite the mixed reception, the novella has remained a popular and enduring work of literature, with its themes of redemption and the search for meaning resonating with readers across generations.
Adaptations and Influences
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Babylon Revisited” has been adapted into various forms of media, including a radio play and a short film. The story has also influenced other works of literature, such as Truman Capote’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Additionally, the themes of the story, such as the consequences of excess and the struggle for redemption, continue to resonate with readers and inspire contemporary writers.
Analysis of the Ending
The ending of “Babylon Revisited” is both poignant and ambiguous. Charlie Wales, the protagonist, has finally achieved his goal of regaining custody of his daughter, Honoria, but at a great cost. He has had to confront his past mistakes and the consequences of his reckless behavior, which led to the death of his wife and his descent into alcoholism. The final scene, in which Charlie and Honoria walk away from the Ritz bar, is bittersweet. On the one hand, Charlie has achieved his redemption and is reunited with his daughter. On the other hand, he is aware that his past will always haunt him and that he will never be able to fully escape the consequences of his actions. The ambiguity of the ending leaves the reader with a sense of both hope and sadness, as we see Charlie struggling to come to terms with his past and his uncertain future. Overall, the ending of “Babylon Revisited” is a powerful and thought-provoking conclusion to a classic tale of redemption and regret.
References to the Jazz Age
Throughout “Babylon Revisited,” F. Scott Fitzgerald makes numerous references to the Jazz Age, a time period in American history characterized by cultural and social changes, as well as a booming economy. The protagonist, Charlie Wales, is a wealthy American who lived in Paris during the height of the Jazz Age, and his experiences during this time shape his character and the events of the story. Fitzgerald’s use of Jazz Age references serves to highlight the contrast between Charlie’s past and present, as well as the societal changes that have occurred since the 1920s. For example, Charlie reminisces about the parties he attended during the Jazz Age, where he and his friends would drink and dance until dawn. However, in the present day, Charlie is a recovering alcoholic who struggles to maintain his sobriety. These references to the Jazz Age serve as a reminder of Charlie’s past mistakes and the consequences of his actions. Additionally, Fitzgerald’s use of Jazz Age references adds depth and historical context to the story, making it a reflection of the cultural and societal changes of the time.
Alcoholism and Addiction
In “Babylon Revisited,” F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the devastating effects of alcoholism and addiction on the lives of his characters. The protagonist, Charlie Wales, is a recovering alcoholic who has returned to Paris to regain custody of his daughter. Throughout the story, Fitzgerald portrays the destructive nature of addiction and the difficulty of overcoming it. Charlie’s struggles with alcoholism serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of seeking help and support when battling addiction. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of addiction in “Babylon Revisited” remains relevant today, as alcoholism and substance abuse continue to be major issues in society.
Relationships and Love
In “Babylon Revisited,” F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the complexities of relationships and love. The protagonist, Charlie Wales, is a man who has made mistakes in his past and is trying to regain custody of his daughter. Throughout the story, he grapples with his past actions and how they have affected his relationships with his family and friends. He also struggles with his love for his daughter and his desire to be a good father. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of Charlie’s relationships and love highlights the importance of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of love to heal past wounds.
Regret and Redemption
In “Babylon Revisited,” F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the themes of regret and redemption through the character of Charlie Wales. Charlie is a former partygoer who has returned to Paris to try and regain custody of his daughter, Honoria, after losing her to his sister-in-law during his wild days. Throughout the story, Charlie is haunted by his past mistakes and the consequences they have had on his life. He is determined to prove to his sister-in-law and the courts that he has changed and is now a responsible father. However, his past catches up with him, and he is forced to confront the people he hurt and the damage he caused. Through his interactions with his former friends and acquaintances, Charlie realizes the true cost of his actions and the pain he has caused. He also learns that redemption is possible, but it requires hard work and sacrifice. In the end, Charlie is able to regain custody of Honoria, but he knows that he will always carry the weight of his past mistakes with him. Fitzgerald’s “Babylon Revisited” is a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences and that redemption is possible, but it requires us to confront our past and make amends for our mistakes.
The American Dream
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale, “Babylon Revisited,” explores the concept of the American Dream and its elusive nature. The protagonist, Charlie Wales, is a former wealthy American expatriate who returns to Paris in the aftermath of the stock market crash of 1929. He is determined to regain custody of his daughter, Honoria, and start a new life with her. However, his past mistakes and the consequences of his reckless behavior haunt him, making it difficult for him to achieve his dream. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of Charlie’s struggle highlights the fragility of the American Dream and the challenges that come with it. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excess and the importance of personal responsibility in achieving one’s goals.
Loss and Change
In “Babylon Revisited,” F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the theme of loss and change through the character of Charlie Wales. Charlie, a former party-goer and alcoholic, returns to Paris after the stock market crash of 1929 to regain custody of his daughter, Honoria. However, he finds that the city and the people he once knew have changed, and he struggles to come to terms with his past mistakes and the loss of his former life. The story is a poignant reminder that change is inevitable and that we must learn to adapt and accept the losses that come with it.
The Role of Money
Money plays a significant role in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Babylon Revisited.” The story revolves around the protagonist, Charlie Wales, who is a former wealthy man trying to regain custody of his daughter. Throughout the story, money is a constant theme, as Charlie’s past financial success and subsequent downfall are central to the plot. The story also explores the idea that money cannot buy happiness, as Charlie’s attempts to use his wealth to win back his daughter ultimately fail. Additionally, the story highlights the dangers of excessive wealth and the consequences that can come with it. Overall, “Babylon Revisited” illustrates the complex relationship between money and happiness, and the ways in which wealth can both help and harm individuals.