Split Identity and Change in F. Scott Fitzgerald's Babylon Revisited


In F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Babylon Revisited," there are several major themes that are prevalent throughout the story. One of these themes is that of split identity the other is the sense of solidity and change. Both of these themes are something most readers can identify with. Fitzgerald also makes the reader sympathize with the protagonist Charlie Wales. Throughout the story the reader must decide whether Charlie is reformed or whether he is indeed "the old Wales" (10). Some readers may empathize with Charlie, as I did the first time I read "Babylon Revisited." Although, after I reread the piece I began to feel differently about "poor" Charlie, and came to the realization that he may not be what he appears to be at all.

The protagonist Charlie Wales is on the brink of rectifying his life. The first time I read this short story I had great pity for poor, poor Charlie Wales. On the surface it looks as though Charlie continues to be the brunt of bad luck. He looks like a man trying to resolve his past who just so happens to hit some complications. On this level I empathize with Charlie, but, after examining the story a bit further I began to question my previous thoughts. I questioned whether Charlie was consciously or possibly subconsciously sabotaging his opportunity to get his daughter, Honoria back before she is tainted for life. It is evident that Wales is not merely a man with very bad luck, but, in fact creating his own luck. The first time this is apparent is in the beginning of the story when Charlie left Lincoln and Marion Peter's address for Duncan, an old party buddy (6). If Charlie really wanted to turn his life around, he would not have taken such an action. The reason why he does is simple; Wales is a creature of habit.

It is obvious that Charlie has not reformed because he is still torn between his previous life and his present one. One of the major themes that tie in with this is that of Charlie's split identity. There are many times in the story where the reader can see that Charlie is having a hard time staying away from his past. This is evident from the first paragraph where Charlie begins to ask about all of his old party friends (6). If Mr. Charlie Wales, from Prague had true intent to show he was a changed man he would not have done many of the things he did. It is apparent that there was a definite conflict with "the old Wales," and that of Mr. Wales, from Prague. Most people can relate to having personal conflicts between the person we were once and the person we are now. Charlie takes this way too far, especially when he goes back to his old stomping grounds and "eluded" the prostitute's stare while buying her breakfast (9).

One last theme that seemed readily discernible was that of the sense of solidity and change in Charlie's world. Most readers can relate to going back to an old haunt, and felt that even though the setting seemed unchanged, something definitely has changed. It is clear that even though Charlie has not reformed, he still has an evolving forestructure, as do we all. All of Paris that he remembers has not changed. The buildings, the faces, the environment are all the same, but it is apparent that Charlie feels there is a change. I know that I can relate to how Charlie feels.

There are several components of "Babylon Revisited" that I, as a reader, found appealing and could relate my life to that of Charlie Wales. For instance, the story was full of themes, symbols, and irony that I found intriguing. F. Scott Fitzgerald did a good job at making me look into Charlie Wale's life and compare it to my own. I felt sympathy for Charlie but am not quite sure if I should. After looking at the evidence the story provides, I still continue to change how I feel about Charlie's situation every time I read it.