Father-daughter relationships are one of the hardest type of relationships out there with
many emotions involved. “Babylon Revisited” carries a strong and painful feeling, mainly in the
dialogue. Some of the most anxious exchanges in the story occur between Charlie and Marion,
his sister-in-law. Charlie’s words make it clear that he is desperate to get Honoria, his daughter
back, enough to plan almost every phrase he give and pause he takes. He stresses his healthy
income to prove that he can provide for his daughter, but he drops the topic the moment he
senses that Lincoln, Marion’s husband and Charlie’s brother-in-law, is growing annoyed with it.
He coaches himself through the emotional conversation about Honoria’s future, silently
reminding himself that he has to control his temper in front of Marion if he wants Honoria. The
care with which he chooses his words and his self-control shows how desperately he
wants
to be with his daughter. These conversations are not one-sided, however. Through
Marion’s short responses, we know that she loved her sister, Helen, very much,
strongly dislikes Charlie, but only wants the best for Honoria.
Charlie’s conversations with Honoria are equally emotional, much
happier. Honoria repeats the word dad when saying hello or goodbye to
Charlie, a kind of chant that conveys how much she loves him. When they
saw each other they hugged and Honoria kept saying “Daddy, Daddy,
Daddy, Daddy” to show how excited she was to see him.
Their conversations can be serious at times, such as when
Honoria says that she doesn’t want to go to the toy store because she’s
worried about the family’s investment. Honoria asked If they
weren't rich anymore and charlie responded saying that today
anything is hers. They also discuss her child and her husband
who died.
Their discussion can also be humorous, and a few
moments later, Charlie asks her whether she’s married
or single, to which she playfully replies that she’s
single.
Their discussion is realistic and
entertaining, but it also reveals the features
of their relationship. They don’t know each
other well, but they like and respect each
other and enjoy spending time
together. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of this
father-daughter relationship is
extremely memorable, vivid, and
true to life, and it is
accomplished largely
through the use of
dialogue.
By Jacob