The Ideas of the Modernist Period in Scott Fitzgeralds Babylon Revisited - Essay Example

Fitzgerald's style was quintessentially American, and perhaps the fact of his Americanism overshadowed his modernism in an earlier understanding of his literary role in the 20th Century. The protagonist is Charlie, a mundane character, set against the backdrop of the World War and has come to the collapse of his life. He has always been regarded as an irresponsible person, not being able to hold drinks in, and acting recklessly and thus responsible for the mental problems caused to Zelda.

Thus, Rosalind and Newman felt that they should adopt her and bring her up in a better environment. I think there is much optimism for the character of Charlie in this story. For what we see in many instances, particularly through reminiscence and memory, which are key functions in modernist writing- is that Charlie feels regret. He is not proud of himself or his past behaviors. He verges on being morose, which could be dangerous as self-pity could drown him. It is obvious that his problems may never go, however, he is struggling and the story symbols, as well as Charlie's actions, tell the readers that he has the ability to win the fight for self-esteem, and for custody of Honoria.