A Lingering Past

In the reading of “Babylon Revisited” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, I interpreted it to be a story of how our past actions have consequences, and our past can have a negative effect throughout our life course. People make mistakes, learn from those mistakes, and people can change for the better. However, when will others realize that someone has changed, and that the past is the past? Or can others see through to lingering qualities of the past? My thought is that Charlie did not want to completely give up his past even though this meant he could bring his daughter home! He was attempting to live a double life.

Charlie Wales, the main character, is one of curiosity. But, Charlie battled something serious, alcoholism. The relationships with other important characters including Alix, Marion and Lincoln Peters, Honoria, Lorraine Quarrels, Duncan Schaffer, in this story are important to the lesson being told. In the past Charlie had led an adventurous life; he and his wife, Helen, traveled together and spent money like there was never an end. Everyone in Paris knew of Charlie and his drinking days, especially Alix, the bartender. When Charlie showed up at the bar and wanted only one drink, Alix was a bit surprised. “You were going pretty strong a couple of years ago” (6). Alix was also Charlie’s link to old friends. I question Charlie’s motive in revisiting this bar. If he really was trying to shape up, why would he go in there and inquire about old friends, and why would he give Alix his address to give to Duncan, an old drinking buddy? Alix was not even aware that Charlie had a daughter.

Marion and Lincoln Peters were the ones caring for Charlie’s daughter, Honoria. Marion is Charlie’s sister-in-law, and she continued to hold a grudge against Charlie for her sister, Helen, also Charlie’s wife, death, blaming Charlie for this tragedy. Marion and Lincoln led a normal lifestyle in comparison to Charlie. They were not rich nor did they go out to the bars to drink. Family came first. Their kids were well-mannered. When Charlie visited and spoke with Marion and Lincoln, they were very hesitant to believing that Charlie had only one drink a day. Marion especially is very skeptical of Charlie and his suddenly new and improved lifestyle.

Honoria, Charlie’s daughter, was 9 years of age. She was a well-mannered and behaved child. She was ecstatic to see her father. They both wanted the opportunity to get to know one another. The more time Charlie spent with Honoria, the more he realized that this seemed to be the kind of life he wanted. Honoria also wanted to live with her father, even though she seemed to be content with his aunt and uncle. When Charlie approached Marion and Lincoln about taking Honoria with him, they were shocked and very unsure. Over a short time span they were about to accept the thought that Charlie would take his daughter back and care for her, however, Charlie’s past actions ruined any chance of this. Duncan and Lorraine intrude into Charlie’s life. This proves to Marion that Charlie is not able and will not be able to care for Honoria. Just when Charlie thought he was getting the life he wanted, his past decided against him.

Charlie’s attempt to maintain his past and start over failed. He was back to square one, and he had not accomplished anything. We are left to wonder if Charlie will go after what he wants, his daughter, or will he settle to the thought that his past will never allow him to do so? Personally, I hope he changes for the better.

Sipiora, Phillip. "Babylon Revisited." Reading and Writing about Literature. Pearson Education, Inc., 2002. 6-19.