Babylon was an ancient, prosperous city of the Near East, Associated by the Hebrews and Greeks with materialism and pursuit of sensual pleasure; here, referring to Paris, where the story is set in the aftermath of the stock market crash of 1929. (p. 1658, The Norton Anthology of American Literature; Volume D) This title alone informs the reader of the lifestyle lead by Charles J. Wales; known as Charlie in the book. Charlie was a high roller before the stock market crash of 1929. He had money, so much in fact that he threw it around as though it were nothing. .
The Review of the Literature.
Charles J. Wales lived a reckless and wild life prior to the crash of 1929. He lost more than money during the crash; he lost his wife to a grave in Vermont, and his daughter to his sister in-law, Marion. However, Charlie has succeeded in turning his life around. In spite of this fact he still does not have custody of his daughter, Honoria; Marion does. Marion is unable to forget the past, and move forward. She denies Charlie and Honoria the chance they both desire, and deserve to be a family.
Charles J. Wales: The Father.
Charlie lived his life prior to the stock market crash as a man, who other men did not realize that he even had a child. He is a man who's wife is dead, and a father, who does not have custody of his child. In beginning of the story Charlie is visiting with a bartender about people he use to run around with. When the bartender inquires on how long will he be in town? Charlie replies, " I"m here for four or five days to see my little girl." (p. 1659, The Norton Anthology of American Literature; Volume D) The bartender who seems to have known Charlie quite well responds, "Oh-h! You have a little girl." (p. 1659, The Norton Anthology of American Literature; Volume D) This gives the reader the first impression about what kind of father Charlie was. He does seem somewhat reformed though. Charlie only allows himself to have one drink a day.