The Hotel Child by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Author: Francis Scott Fitzgerald
Published: The Saturday Evening Post (January 31, 1931)
Genre: Short Story
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“The Hotel Child” is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald published in The Saturday Evening Post on January 31, 1931.
1. The Hotel Child Synopsis
Set in a European hotel, “The Hotel Child” follows Fifi Schwartz, an attractive and admired young woman, as she celebrates her birthday. Amidst the diverse crowd, her innocence stands out. Family dynamics and romantic interests unfold as Fifi’s mother contemplates returning to the US due to Europe’s complexities. Fifi’s beauty catches the attention of Count Borowki, leading to secret marriage plans. A fire breaks out in the hotel, triggering chaos and revealing hidden motives. The narrative juxtaposes Fifi’s innocence against the turmoil around her, exploring themes of appearance, trust, and human complexity.
2. The Hotel Child Summary
Chapter 1
In a European hotel filled with a diverse crowd, Fifi Schwartz, a radiant and beautiful Jewess, celebrates her eighteenth birthday. She attracts attention and admiration from men of various nationalities. Fifi’s mother, Mrs. Schwartz, watches over her daughter, who is the center of attention, while a marquis named Bopes seems unimpressed with the American crowd. The evening turns chaotic as Fifi’s brother, John, gets into a drunken escapade with a questionable woman. Fifi’s mother considers taking her family back to the United States due to the complexities of life in Europe. Fifi’s innocence and beauty are contrasted with the turbulence and moral decay of the world around her.
Chapter 2
Mrs. Schwartz reports the loss of $200. Mr. Weicker investigates discreetly, suspecting guests in need. Count Borowki, heir to a fortune, takes interest in Fifi Schwartz and proposes marriage. Fifi is insulted by Lady Capps-Karr’s remarks about her clothes. Fifi and Borowki plan to marry secretly and leave the hotel. Fifi decides to embrace adventure and leaves her family to marry Borowki.
Chapter 3
Mr. Weicker waits for the bar to calm down and inspects the hotel. Count Borowki prepares to leave for the night but assures he’ll be back. Suddenly, there’s a fire, and the chaos ensues. Amid the confusion, the police apprehend Borowki and a girl, later revealed to be Miss Howard. Mr. Weicker is horrified when he realizes that Fifi is involved, but it turns out Fifi is in another place, helping John Schwartz leave the hotel.
Chapter 4
Count Borowki is imprisoned but meets Lady Capps-Karr, who shares her own troubles caused by the fire incident. They discuss the situation and Count Borowki wonders what made Fifi suspicious. Meanwhile, Fifi reveals to a bartender that she overheard Count Borowki saying something negative about her appearance and also investigated the payment for the cigarette case. Fifi is heading back to America for testimony, but the Furies’ hold on her seems uncertain.
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