Fitzgerald, Francis Scott. "The Bridal Party".

Summary

Michael Curly gets a note announcing the wedding of Caroline Dandy to Hamilton Rutherford. Caroline was Michael's first love whom he lost because he had no money. Michael fears he shall never be happy now. He still loves her and believed she was faithful to him still, too.

Michael learns the news of his inheriting a quarter of million dollars from his grandfather. He attends the bridal party. The party is marked by excessive drinking which helps to be less conscious of reality. Caroline looks strained and tired and so do the others. Caroline tells Michael that their relationship is over and wants him to be friends with Hamilton. Michael then turns to Hamilton and tries to persuade him to give up his bride. He fails.

There is rumour that Hamilton has just lost a great deal of money. Hamilton confirms the news. Caroline chooses her bridegroom rather than Michael anyway.

The bridal party is excessively expensive, but Hamilton does not attempt to cut down the costs even though he is now broke. He is said to get an offer of a well paid job just before the wedding in the morning.

At the end of the wedding Michael realizes he has not thought of Caroline for hours. He is cured and tries to recall which of the bridesmaids promised him a date.

Analysis

- concerned with American exile characters in Paris

- set in the aftermath of the crash of the Wall Street

- deals with the false notion of money always ensuring happiness

- contrasts the characters of Hamilton who is rich, authoritative, self-confident, and Michael who is weaker than Hamilton, sensitive, a loser character at first

- hints at the problem of the young generation with excessive drinking