Narrative Techniques in Hemingway and Fitzgerald

A tragedy is an action or event caused by great suffering or destruction. Tragedies are common among humanity, and an author can create an immediate connection between the reader and the storyline with the use of a great tragedy. F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Babylon Revisited" is one of his most meticulous short stories, considered by many to be one of his most expressive emotional narratives. The tragedy follows the misfortunes of Charles Wales during the "Jazz Age." This short story was first published in 1931 in the Saturday Evening Post and later revised for the 1935 collection Taps at Reveille.

Charles Wales serves as the tragic figure in the story, with his experiences often compared to Fitzgerald's own life events. Fitzgerald wrote "Babylon Revisited" during a murky and taciturn period in his life, facing emotional and economic crises akin to those of Charles Wales. Like much of his work, the story reflects his personal experiences and his tumultuous relationship with his wife Zelda. The tone is sincere and remorseful, markedly more melancholy than his previous works for the Post. Charles Wales, an alcoholic who has regained his sobriety and financial stability as a businessman in Prague, is deeply ashamed of his past recklessness.

He cherishes his daughter, Honoria, and misses his wife, Helen, for whose death he may feel partly responsible. Around the year 1930 and the Great Depression, Fitzgerald felt a collapse in both his physical and mental health, as well as a decline in his literary reputation. In "Babylon Revisited," Charlie is portrayed as a wealthy man before the stock market crash, enjoying a lavish lifestyle. Throughout the story, Charlie harbors immense hope for reclaiming his daughter.

Charlie’s optimism grows as he becomes increasingly hopeful for a favorable outcome. However, at the story's conclusion, he faces the crushing disappointment of losing the chance to rekindle his relationship with his daughter. After losing his wife and then his daughter, Charlie experiences profound loneliness. Confronted with the consequences of his impulsive past, he is driven to win custody of his daughter to alleviate his solitude, but ultimately fails. This particular tragedy in "Babylon Revisited" resonates with anyone who has experienced loss. Despite his hard work and dedication to becoming a better father, Charlie's past mistakes prevent him from achieving custody of Honoria.

The Struggle for Redemption

Charlie’s efforts to create a better life for himself are thwarted by his inability to secure his daughter’s return. This tragedy is not just an individual failure but a universal one, reflecting the fate that many people face when they strive to rectify past mistakes. Charlie is burdened with guilt, as his past actions led to the loss of his daughter. Despite his fearless attempts to rebuild his life, the ghosts of his past continue to haunt him. His daughter's guardians harbor resentment toward him, and his oldest friends fail to understand him.

Marion, Honoria's guardian, embodies the societal judgment that Charlie faces. Her harsh attitude towards Charlie is palpable when she almost says she would rather see Honoria dead than in Charlie's custody. This sentiment shifts the reader's sympathy towards Charlie, despite his flawed past. Fitzgerald uses this emotional core to explore a universe of emotional, social, historical, and psychological themes.

Subtle Tragedies in Hemingway's Work

In Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants," the tragedy is more subtle, existing both figuratively and within the reader's imagination. First printed in 1927, this story is a key piece in Hemingway's collection Men Without Women. It tells the tale of a couple drinking in a Spanish train station, as the man tries to persuade the woman to have an abortion. The narrator provides minimal detail, focusing instead on their dialogue, which is spare and laden with tension.

The man's insistence on the "awfully simple" procedure is contrasted with the woman's indecision. His repeated assurances that they will be happy afterward reveal his self-interest, as he never considers her health. This suggests that the procedure is elective, likely an abortion. Jig, the woman, struggles with her decision, torn between her partner's wishes and her own feelings. Her low self-esteem and submissiveness make her willing to sacrifice her desires for his happiness.

Jig's internal conflict is tragic. Her mind tells her to keep the baby, but her heart urges her to go through with the operation. This tension between love and self-interest highlights her low self-esteem, pushing her towards compliance. Her passive nature is evident when she says, "If I do it you won’t ever worry…then I’ll do it because I don’t care about me." This quote underscores her internal struggle and the tragedy of her situation.

Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Tragedy

The main idea in this analysis is to demonstrate how both Jig and her partner, like Charlie in "Babylon Revisited," are ensnared in their own tragedies. Tragedy often signifies the end of something significant, whether it be family, society, or personal dreams. Tragedies rarely conclude with happiness, and one can infer that Jig did not keep the baby. These stories highlight the profound emotional turmoil and societal pressures that characters face, making them relatable to readers who have experienced similar struggles.

Did you like this example?

836

35