Babylon Revisited Summary

"Babylon Revisited" is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald in which recovering alcoholic and newly successful businessman Charlie Wales attempts to regain custody of his daughter, Honoria.

  • Charlie returns to Paris after a long absence in hopes of regaining custody of his daughter, Honoria, who has been living with Charlie's sister-in-law, Marion.

  • Charlie is a recovering alcoholic, and Marion blames him for the death of his wife, Helen.

  • In the end, Charlie's past comes back to haunt him in the form of two drunk friends who barge into Marion's house just as Charlie is arranging to take Honoria to Prague.

 

Summary

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"Babylon Revisited" narrates the poignant journey of Charlie Wales, a man striving to reclaim his daughter after overcoming personal turmoil and loss. Once a wealthy expatriate reveling in Paris, Charlie now seeks redemption and stability. The story captures the complexities of his relationships and the shadows of his past, as he navigates the remnants of his former life in a city that mirrors his own transformation.

The Fall and Its Consequences

In the roaring 1920s, Charlie Wales amassed a fortune through lucrative stock investments, leading him to leave his job and relocate to Paris with his wife, Helen. The city of lights became the backdrop for their extravagant lifestyle, yet the couple's indulgences culminated in tragedy. Helen's untimely death and Charlie's subsequent battle with alcoholism saw him admitted to a sanitarium, while their young daughter, Honoria, found refuge with Helen's sister, Marion, and her husband, Lincoln Peters, in Paris.

Revisiting Paris

After rebuilding his life in Prague, where he reestablished himself in business, Charlie returns to Paris. Now sober, he sits at the bar of the Ritz Hotel, a place laden with memories, and politely declines a drink, telling the bartender, "I'm going slow these days." As he strolls through Paris, the landmarks remind him of his past excesses and the city feels tainted by his previous decadence.

A Father's Determination

Arriving at the Peters' residence, Charlie shares his renewed success with his daughter, Honoria, and her guardians. Marion, however, remains skeptical of Charlie's transformation and harbors resentment for her sister's death. Yet, Charlie's resolve to regain custody of Honoria is unwavering, and he waits for the opportune moment to broach the subject with the Peters, hoping they will see his sincerity and changed nature.

Confronting the Past

The following day, Charlie takes Honoria for a day out, indulging her with lunch and promising a trip to the toy store and vaudeville. Their outing is interrupted by the unexpected encounter with old acquaintances, Duncan Schaeffer and Lorraine Quarrles, whose presence is a stark reminder of his former debauchery. Charlie tactfully evades their invitations, recognizing their interest in his newfound strength and sobriety as a testament to how far he has come.

Seeking Custody

Charlie formally approaches the Peters to request Honoria's custody, a prospect Marion meets with resistance. Her skepticism is rooted in the belief that Charlie's sobriety may be fleeting. Despite her doubts, Charlie's honesty about his vulnerabilities and his genuine remorse moves Marion to a reluctant acceptance of his efforts. Lincoln's assurance that Marion now trusts Charlie's stability is a small victory, fueling Charlie's hope for a reunion with Honoria.

Memories and Ghosts

As night falls, Charlie is visited by memories of Helen, who appears comforting and supportive, urging him to bring Honoria home. Her presence, though a bittersweet reminder of his loss, strengthens his resolve. The following morning, a call to Lincoln Peters solidifies plans for Honoria's return to Prague, albeit with Marion's stipulation of maintaining legal guardianship for another year—a compromise Charlie accepts with hope.

Test of Resolve

Back at his hotel, a note from Lorraine arrives, evoking memories of his irresponsible past. Charlie shudders at the thought but remains firm in his commitment to change, relieved that the bartender at the Ritz withheld his current address from her. Later, at the Peters' apartment, Marion's grudging acceptance seems to promise a new beginning, but the sudden arrival of a drunken Duncan and Lorraine disrupts the fragile peace.

Setbacks and Determination

Their uninvited presence reignites Marion's suspicions, derailing Charlie's plans. Lincoln advises postponing any decision about Honoria, leaving Charlie frustrated but undeterred. A visit to the Ritz...

(This entire section contains 720 words.)

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bar offers no solace, and a conversation with the head bartender, Paul, underscores Charlie's losses—not just financial, but personal. Charlie accepts that winning back Honoria will take time, and resolves to shower her with gifts, determined to prove his worth.

"He would come back some day; they couldn't make him pay forever.... He was absolutely sure Helen wouldn't have wanted him to be so alone."

This resolve closes the chapter on Charlie's visit, as he remains hopeful that, with time, he will overcome the obstacles that stand between him and his daughter. His journey is one of persistence and redemption, a testament to the enduring human spirit that refuses to be defeated by the shadows of the past.

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