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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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It seems that there are certain authors who perhaps should have stopped writing after that one particular book which brought them great fame.

Some authors manage to create a masterpiece that catapults them into the spotlight and earns them a significant following. However, in their eagerness to capitalize on their newfound success or simply due to a compulsion to keep writing, they produce subsequent works that fail to live up to the high standards set by their initial hit.

These later books may lack the originality, depth, or engaging storytelling that made the first one so memorable. As a result, readers who were initially captivated by the author's talent may become disappointed and lose interest. It is as if these authors would have been better off leaving their legacy with that single remarkable book, rather than risk tarnishing their reputation with inferior works.

July 15,2025
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M-a emoționat foarte tare povestirea asta. It is about a father who, a year and a half ago, due to his alcoholism, gave up custody of his nine-year-old daughter. The girl went to live with her aunt and uncle, while her mother had passed away. And her father, our main character, Charlie, got back on his feet, leaving behind a tumultuous past full of alcohol, women, and general chaos. But now, Charlie's efforts to get his daughter back are greatly hindered by the hostile attitude of the girl's aunt, Marion Peters, the sister of his deceased wife.


Near the end, I almost burst into tears while reading the last pages. Maybe Fitzgerald didn't intend to be so "pathetic" in his writing, but for me, "Babylon Revisited" touched a sensitive chord. I wish it had been longer, though. And I didn't know, because the life of the writer F. Scott Fitzgerald had never interested me before, but it seems that this story is inspired by his own experience. Maybe that's why he was able to capture Charlie's emotions so well. It is a minimalist, yet powerful piece of writing.

July 15,2025
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Fitzgerald's writing often delves into the complex and often troubled relationships between husbands and wives.

His works depict the unhappiness and dissatisfaction that can fester within a marriage, especially when one or both partners are not fulfilling their roles or are dealing with personal demons such as alcoholism.

It is indeed interesting to explore how Fitzgerald portrays these themes and how they reflect the society and values of his time.

His characters are often flawed and struggling, yet they are also relatable and human.

By examining their relationships and the issues they face, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and the challenges that come with love, marriage, and family.

Fitzgerald's writing about bad husbands, unhappy wives, and alcoholism is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the darker side of human nature.
July 15,2025
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I recently read the story "Babylon Revisited" by F. Scott Fitzgerald for a school literary analysis project.

The historical setting of the story was truly captivating. It offered a plausible account of a family's experiences in the early Depression-era following the stock market crash. Fitzgerald's portrayal of the time period was outstanding, which is understandable given that he wrote it during the 1930s.

In addition to the realistic setting, the characters and their relationships were extremely well-developed. From the very first interaction between Marion and Charlie, it was evident that Marion despised him. This added a layer of depth to the story, particularly during their argument over custody of Honoria.

The back and forth of memories and events as the story progressed made me constantly reflect on the nature of each character. Fitzgerald compelled readers to continuously revise their opinions of certain individuals, especially Charlie, as more information was revealed to enhance our understanding of the character.

The way Fitzgerald delved deep into the heart of the family's conflict created a very personal and vulnerable connection with the reader. The third-person point of view, while still providing access to Charlie's memories and thoughts, offered a unique reading experience. We sympathize with the character who longs to have his child back, yet also comprehend the reservations against it.

As someone who seldom reads historical fiction, I was truly impressed by the depth of this story, especially considering its relatively short length. It serves as a testament to Fitzgerald's remarkable storytelling abilities.
July 15,2025
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The story was truly interesting. It had elements that captured my attention from the very beginning.

However, the problematic comments were not really what I expected. They seemed out of place and didn't add any value to the overall experience.

Perhaps the people making those comments didn't fully understand the essence of the story or were just being overly critical for no good reason.

Despite the presence of these problematic comments, I still managed to enjoy the story itself. It had its own charm and appeal that outweighed the negative aspects.

I hope that in the future, people will be more thoughtful and respectful when leaving comments, so as not to detract from the enjoyment of others.

Overall, it was a mixed experience, but the interesting story will definitely stay with me for a while.
July 15,2025
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Of the three short stories, "Babylon Revisited" was my favourite.

However, I liked "The Cut-Glass Bowl" just as much.

They are kind of like character studies, and all cover alcoholism and social change.

I think I enjoyed "Babylon Revisited" the most because I was more sympathetic to Charlie than any other characters.

Charlie is a complex character who has made mistakes in the past due to his alcoholism but is now trying to turn his life around.

The story shows his struggle to regain custody of his daughter and to come to terms with his past.

"The Cut-Glass Bowl" is also a great story that explores the theme of alcoholism and its impact on a relationship.

The characters in this story are well-developed, and the plot is engaging.

Overall, both stories are a quick and interesting read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys short stories.
July 15,2025
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He thought rather angrily that this was just money - he had given so many people money.

After the Crash, one of the Jay Gatsby jet set attempts redemption. Paris has changed, and so has American entitlement. Fitzgerald delves deep into exploring the human capacity. He presents us with a vivid fresco that is tinted by both malignant memory and an oracle of sobriety. However, neither of these could have provided much comfort.

Money, which he had freely given away, now seemed to him in a rather different light. The once glamorous jet set lifestyle, represented by Jay Gatsby, now faces the harsh reality of a changed world. Paris, once a symbol of luxury and decadence, has also undergone a transformation. American entitlement, too, has shifted. Fitzgerald's exploration of the human capacity reveals the complex and often contradictory nature of our desires and emotions. The malignant memory haunts, while the oracle of sobriety offers a glimmer of hope, yet neither is truly a source of comfort in this new and uncertain landscape.
July 15,2025
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The past is never dead, it's not even past - Faulkner. This profound statement holds great significance. The past has a way of lingering and influencing our present and future. It shapes our identities, beliefs, and values. Every experience, every event that has occurred in the past leaves an indelible mark on us. It is not something that can be easily forgotten or brushed aside. We carry the weight of the past with us, whether we are consciously aware of it or not. It can either haunt us and hold us back or serve as a source of strength and wisdom. By reflecting on the past, we can learn from our mistakes, appreciate our achievements, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The past is an integral part of who we are, and it continues to live on within us, shaping our journey through life.

July 15,2025
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Sad.

Life can sometimes bring moments of profound sadness. It could be due to the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the disappointment of unfulfilled dreams.

Sadness has a way of creeping in and overwhelming us, making it difficult to find joy or see the light at the end of the tunnel.

During these times, it's important to allow ourselves to feel the emotions and not suppress them. Crying can be a cathartic release, and sharing our feelings with someone we trust can also provide some comfort.

However, it's also crucial to remember that sadness is a temporary state. With time, and with the support of those around us, we can begin to heal and find our way back to a place of happiness and contentment.

So, when sadness strikes, don't be afraid to embrace it. But also know that there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
July 15,2025
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For me, there is nothing particularly remarkable about this, yet it is a touching story. It may not have the grandeur or excitement that one might expect, but its simplicity holds a certain charm. The events that unfold are ordinary, yet they manage to tug at the heartstrings. It is a story that reminds us that sometimes, the most profound moments can be found in the simplest of things. We often look for the extraordinary in our lives, but this story shows us that the beauty lies in the everyday. It is a gentle reminder that we should take the time to appreciate the little things that make our lives meaningful.

July 15,2025
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This was my very first encounter with the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald. However, at that time, being only 11 years old, I didn't have much knowledge about his literary contributions. To be honest, I completely forgot about this short story. It wasn't until I discovered a copy of it among my school papers that it jogged my memory.

After rereading this story, I was truly amazed at how I could have forgotten it over the years. It served as a decent introduction to Fitzgerald's work, yet there wasn't anything overly remarkable about it. I did appreciate the fact that the main character, Charlie, admits to having one alcoholic drink a day. This shows how he has matured and changed from his wild party days and his time spent in a sanatorium.

On the other hand, there were moments when Marian, Charlie's sister-in-law, really irritated me. She was extremely hostile towards him, simply because he had spent time in a sanatorium or had a past drinking problem. I'm still somewhat confused as to how responsible Charlie was for Helen's death, considering she died of heart trouble. Additionally, it remains a mystery to me how her husband, Lincoln, who is such a kind and good-hearted man, ended up marrying her.
July 15,2025
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Recovering alcoholic and victim of great depression, he is desperately seeking to retrieve his child from his in-laws following the tragic death of his wife, who was also the child's mother. And interestingly, he was latterly involved with this situation.

Now, he is a sober man. His approach to staying off alcohol is rather curious. He has decided to have one drink every day, believing that this way he will never go overboard with it. Just one drink, without fail, every single day, and no more.

I had expected more of a twist in the end. Nevertheless, it is well written. It very much reflects Fitzgerald's own time and perhaps even imagines his own experience.

But the question remains: Can authors really write about anything other than their own experience? Or do their personal experiences always seep into their works, consciously or unconsciously? This is a thought-provoking query that makes one wonder about the nature of creativity and the role of personal history in the writing process.

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