Babylon Revisited by F. Scott Fitzgerald

In our class discussion on this story, we debated for a while on whether or not Charlie had changed and should get his daughter back. I, personally, do not think that Charlie has really changed or should receive custody of his daughter. I don't believe that the three years time is enough to prove you are changed, especially when he had only been limiting his drink for "over a year" (1032). When it comes to the relationship between man and alcohol or any other addictive substance or behavior, it is a complete fallacy to believe that one is alright while still consuming it on a daily basis. There is a middle ground between full out alcoholism and recovery, but that in-between place is not the end. Steps need to continue to be taken to release Charlie from his dependence on alcohol, which he seems to have come to terms with. For this reason, it was disconcerting to hear him say: "I take that drink deliberately, so that the idea of alcohol won't get too big in my imagination." (1032) Drinking "responsibly" for a drunk, is irresponsible. The justification of his daily drink, proves that there is an unhealthy relationship with the substance.

On another level, I don't see that Honoria's return to her father is a welcomed by the ones who know the circumstances better then the reader does. Those who are taking care of Honoria are against it. They know that she might have access to more money, but at the same time the danger and instability is there. When Charlie was talking to Marion and Lincoln about the possibility of taking Honoria back to live with him, his nerves began to strain and "for the first time in a year Charlie wanted a drink." (1034) I think that the fact that when he gets into an uncomfortable situation, he almost immediately wants a drink shows that he still has work to do. While it may be a nice thing for Honoria to have visits from her father, because she clearly loves him: I don't believe that a custody switch is in her best interest at this time.