Babylon Revisited

Honoria Wales, the young daughter of Charlie Wales, represents innocence and the future—concepts that are related to the story’s central theme of The Quest for Personal Redemption. Honoria’s character represents hope and potential renewal for Charlie, offering him a chance to redeem his past. Through Honoria, Fitzgerald presents the untainted perspective of childhood, which stands in stark contrast to the complex, often murky world of the adults around her.

Despite her youth, Honoria’s character is mature beyond her years. She is depicted as sensible and perceptive, engaging with her father in a manner that demonstrates both her affection for him and an understanding of the world they both inhabit. During their lunch at Le Grand Vatel, she negotiates her choices with a thoughtful consideration: “I’d like chou-fleur,” and responding to her father’s question “Wouldn’t you like to have two vegetables?” with the assertive statement “I usually only have one at lunch,” a response that shows the young girl’s ability to express her preferences and her awareness of the social conventions of dining out (Paragraphs 66-68).

Honoria’s presence in the story is a grounding force for Charlie, continually reminding him of his responsibilities and the life he is striving to build. Her character is not simply passive; she actively influences Charlie’s decisions and actions. Her simple, direct communication with her father, “What are we going to do?” not only exhibits her trust in him but also represents her desire for shared experiences and her anticipation of the joy they can find together (Paragraph 72).

Fitzgerald also uses Honoria’s interactions with other characters to reveal more about her nature. When confronted with Lorraine’s over-familiarity, “Good-by, beautiful little girl,” Honoria maintains her composure, responding “Good-by,” and bobbing her head “politely” indicating her ability to navigate social situations with grace and her inherent sense of propriety (Paragraphs 115-17). This encounter reveals Honoria’s independence and the development of her individual code of conduct.

Honoria symbolizes what was pure in Charlie’s past and the possibility of redemption in his future. In response to Charlie’s question about her mother, “Darling, do you ever think about your mother?” (Paragraph 127), Honoria’s vague response, “Yes, sometimes” (Paragraph 128), demonstrates the tenuousness of the family relationships that Charlie is desperately trying to reestablish through his relationship with Honoria.

Honoria is not only the impetus for Charlie’s efforts to better himself but also a mirror reflecting the innocence he wishes to regain and protect. Her presence in the narrative challenges Charlie to confront the consequences of his past and to strive for a life that honors her and the memory of her mother, Helen. Through Honoria, Fitzgerald affirms the potential for innocence to persevere and for the future to offer a path away from the shadow of past transgressions.

Marion Peters represents opposition with Charlie’s character by bearing witness to his past behavioral flaws and doubting his ability to reform. As Charlie’s sister-in-law and the guardian of his daughter, Honoria, Marion’s role is pivotal in creating conflict for Charlie in the story. She is the embodiment of the skepticism and wariness that those who have witnessed Charlie’s past are unable to shake off. Marion’s character is not just a foil to Charlie’s ambitions but a deeply wounded individual whose past experiences with Charlie have left a permanent mark on her disposition toward him.

Marion’s interactions with Charlie are laced with tension, revealing her internal struggle between the desire to protect Honoria and the duty to do what may be best for the child. This tension is evident when she challenges Charlie’s commitment to sobriety. When she asks how long he intends to stay sober, her question is less an inquiry than an accusation, revealing her deep-seated doubts about Charlie’s ability to change (Paragraph 157). Her mistrust is not unfounded, as she has firsthand experience of the consequences of Charlie’s former recklessness: “I’ll never in my life be able to forget the morning when Helen knocked at my door soaked to the skin and shivering,” she observes, recalling the time that Charlie locked his wife Helen out of the house during a snowstorm (Paragraph 171). This moment serves as a stark reminder of why she harbors such reservations about Charlie’s capacity for responsibility

In a narrative largely focused on Charlie’s quest for redemption, Marion’s character represents a formidable barrier to his goals. Her skepticism and the emotional wounds she bears are emblematic of The Fragility of Personal Reform. Her character is a testament to the difficulty of reconciling the past with the present and the challenge of extending forgiveness to those who have caused pain. Marion’s demeanor and decisions are rooted in a protective instinct, not just for Honoria but for herself as well, guarding against the possibility of being hurt by Charlie’s actions once again.

Lincoln Peters serves as a temperate contrast to his wife Marion’s more judgmental stance toward Charlie. As the husband of Marion and uncle to Honoria, he occupies a position of influence, acting as a mediator in the family dynamic. His character demonstrates understanding—even sympathy—for Charlie, feelings that are vital in the story’s exploration of forgiveness and redemption.

Lincoln’s dialogue often carries a tone of moderation and consideration, qualities that make him a stabilizing force within the narrative. He expresses a cautious but open-minded perspective regarding Charlie’s desire to reclaim his paternal role. He exhibits a balance of understanding and caution, recognizing the delicate nature of the situation when he interjects, “We’re getting off the subject,” to refocus the conversation on the matter at hand: Charlie’s fitness as a father and the potential return of his daughter (Paragraph 173).

Lincoln’s character is not without his doubts about Charlie, but he differs from Marion in his approach to Charlie’s desire to become a responsible father to Honoria. Where Marion confronts, Lincoln ponders and considers, as seen when he acknowledges the complexities of Charlie’s circumstances and Marion’s feelings: “We think Honoria’s a great little girl too,” he says, indicating his own affection for the child while also acknowledging the weight of the decision they face regarding her future (Paragraph 37).

Lincoln’s character is essential in the story, providing a counterbalance to Marion’s skepticism and a beacon of hope for Charlie’s redemption. Lincoln is Marion’s foil who contrasts with her perspective, and his presence in the story is a reminder that even in the wake of significant turmoil and change, the human capacity for compassion remains.