Babylon Revisited Modernism Essay

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The modernist style of writing is one of disillusionment, frustration and loss of hope. The modernist writers did not try to point out silver linings or brighter futures, instead they explored the depths of the sorrows of life in the time of the great depression and the long road to recovery from it. Most of these writers blamed the modernization of America for the stock market crash that brought on the great depression. Likewise, modern politics drew America into not only one, but two world wars. At the same time, modern intellectual advancements challenged or usurped traditional beliefs and values. Darwinism and Marxism both showed themselves and clashed with current American ideals. These things caused writers to take notice of the changing …show more content…

Scott Fitzgerald. In his story titled Babylon Revisited, Fitzgerald epitomizes the genre. The story focuses on Charlie Wales, who is visiting Paris after a year and a half away. During Charlie’s time away, the stock market crash hit America, sending a shockwave through the economies of the world. Charlie’s old life in Paris was one of almost limitless money fueling a decadent lifestyle of alcohol, parties and promiscuity. Charlie returns to find a very different city than the one he left such a short time ago. As Charlie travels the city visiting old haunts and meeting old friends, he finds just how much things have changed. Fitzgerald wrote, “All the catering to vice and waste was on an utterly childish scale, and he suddenly realized the meaning of the word dissipate.” (Baym, 2013, p. 2167) Fitzgerald is capturing the disappointment Charlie felt at the realization that the old Paris was no more. The traditions of exorbitant waste and debauchery gone with it. Charlie felt as though he was witnessing the death of a part of his life, of a part of himself. Charlie tries to make amends with some of the people he hurt in the past, and tried to connect with his daughter and become a part of her life. In the end, his best efforts fall short and the new life he envisioned escapes him, even while his old life is still dying before him. Charlie ends up alone without either of the lives he has known or dreamt

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