Exploring Setting as a Driver of Drama in Fitzgerald’s “Babylon Revisited”

Abstract

This study provides an in-depth examination of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Babylon Revisited," focusing on the influential role of setting in shaping the narrative's dramatic elements. Through a nuanced analysis, the research investigates how the depiction of 1920s Paris serves as a catalyst for character motivations and actions, thereby driving the plot forward. Utilizing a combination of textual analysis and literary theory, the study seeks to elucidate the intricate interplay between setting, structure, and dialogue in Fitzgerald's narrative, aiming to uncover the underlying thematic and stylistic elements at play. The primary objective of this research is to explore the profound impact of setting on character development and narrative progression in "Babylon Revisited." By examining the portrayal of Paris as a milieu of extravagance and hedonism, the study aims to explicate how the city functions as both a backdrop and a character in its own right, influencing the behaviors and decisions of the protagonist, Charlie Wales, and other key figures within the narrative. Methodologically, this study employs a combination of qualitative textual analysis and theoretical inquiry to interrogate the relationship between setting and drama in Fitzgerald's work. Drawing upon established literary frameworks and critical perspectives, the research situates "Babylon Revisited" within its broader cultural and historical context, allowing for a nuanced examination of the novel's thematic concerns and stylistic innovations. By engaging with interdisciplinary approaches to literary analysis, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which setting functions as a driver of drama in Fitzgerald's narrative. In conclusion, this research contributes to our understanding of "Babylon Revisited" by offering a rigorous analysis of the role of setting in shaping the novel's dramatic elements. Through a meticulous examination of the text and its contextual underpinnings, the study demonstrates how Fitzgerald's adept manipulation of setting, structure, and dialogue enriches the narrative, elevating it to a timeless work of literature. Ultimately, the research underscores the enduring relevance of Fitzgerald's exploration of human behavior and emotion within the framework of a vividly rendered setting, solidifying his status as a preeminent writer of the 20th century.