A Short Trip Home by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Author: Francis Scott Fitzgerald

Published: The Saturday Evening Post (December 17, 1927), Taps at Reveille (1935)

Genre: Short Story

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“A Short Trip Home”is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald published in The Saturday Evening Post on December 17, 1927, and Taps at Reveille in 1935.

1. A Short Trip Home Synopsis

“A Short Trip Home” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a captivating short story that delves into the mysteries of the past and the complexities of human connections. The narrative follows the protagonist’s quest to uncover information about a man named Joe Varland. Through a visit to a billiard parlor, the protagonist learns about Varland’s shady past involving exploiting women on trains. Fitzgerald’s masterful storytelling skillfully weaves together themes of nostalgia, curiosity, and the allure of secrets.

The story also explores the narrator’s evolving relationship with Ellen, hinting at a hopeful future despite uncertainties. With his signature prose, Fitzgerald paints a vivid picture of both characters and settings, immersing readers in a world of intrigue and emotion. “A Short Trip Home” offers a brief yet thought-provoking glimpse into the human desire to understand the past and the profound impact it can have on our perceptions of the present and future.

2. Story Summary

Chapter 1

The narrator is infatuated with Ellen, noticing her blossoming beauty and confident aura. During a party, Ellen receives a note and leaves with a distracted expression. Joe Jelke, who’s enamored by Ellen, becomes worried about her absence. They later find Ellen with a mysterious man in a car. Joe confronts the man, and a scuffle ensues, resulting in Joe getting injured. Ellen’s reaction surprises the narrator as she seems indifferent and later defends the man’s actions.

The narrator is drawn to Ellen’s beauty and charm, feeling conflicted by her behavior and the danger the mysterious man poses. The party continues, but the narrator feels an unsettling shift in perception, watching Ellen with a sense of foreboding.

Chapter 2

The narrator becomes concerned about Ellen’s well-being and tries to intervene in her interactions with this mysterious man. The man’s intentions and influence are unclear, and the narrator’s attempts to protect Ellen lead to a confrontation between the two.

Chapter 3

The narrator returns home for Easter vacation and visits a billiard parlor to inquire about a man named Joe Varland. He describes Varland to the cashier, who informs him that Varland has died. The narrator wants to learn about Varland’s habits and offers money to a man named Shorty, who reluctantly shares that Varland used to exploit women traveling alone on trains for money. The narrator leaves, pondering this information. He mentions his relationship with Ellen, how they’re close, and that she’ll be coming out in the fall. The narrator feels more hopeful about their future together.