Student Question
How does "Babylon Revisited" use classical allusion?
Quick answer:
"Babylon Revisited" uses classical allusion through its title, referencing the biblical city of Babylon known for its decadence and subsequent downfall. This parallels the protagonist's past in Paris during the Roaring Twenties, where his irresponsible behavior led to personal tragedy. The story shows his attempt to prove redemption, but a misunderstanding leads to his failure, echoing the theme of punishment for past sins.
The title of the story is in itself a biblical allusion: the people of ancient Babylon were known to be decadent and sinful, and were eventually punished for it. The protagonist of the story "revisits" the site of his earlier transgressions: he was involved in a decadent Roaring Twenties lifestyle in Paris, and became an alcoholic who behaved irresponsibly, and caused the accidental death of his wife, and his daughter was put into the care of his wife's sister. He has returned to show he has changed, that he is no longer irresponsible, but through an unfortunate misunderstanding and overreaction, his wife's sister deems him an unfit parent and refuses to allow him to take his daughter home.
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