“Babbitt” is a novel written by Sinclair Lewis in 1922. The book is a satirical critique of American middle-class life and values. The main character, George F. Babbitt, is a middle-aged real estate broker living in the fictional midwestern city of Zenith who is dissatisfied with his life despite enjoying all the modern conveniences of a prosperous middle-class businessman.
The novel has been interpreted as an allegory for conformity and the stifling nature of society. Babbitt’s character is completely controlled by the power of conformity, and even after realizing the limitations of his society, he is powerless to change his fate as a member of conformist society. The novel’s scathing indictment of middle-class American values made “Babbittry” a synonym for adherence to a conformist, materialistic, anti-intellectual way of life.
The book’s title character has become a symbol for a particular type of American described by Sinclair Lewis. Lewis’s description of the character has been analyzed by literary scholars and critics for decades, providing a rich source of interpretation and analysis. Through its use of allegory, “Babbitt” offers a powerful critique of American middle-class life and values that is still relevant today.
Overview of Babbitt
Setting and Era
Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis is set in the fictional city of Zenith, a modern Midwestern city. The story takes place in the 1920s, a decade known for its economic prosperity and social change. The setting of Zenith symbolizes the conformity and materialism of middle-class American society during this era.
Main Characters
The main character of the story is George F. Babbitt, a 46-year-old real estate broker who is dissatisfied with his life despite enjoying all the modern conveniences available to a prosperous middle-class businessman. Other important characters include Babbitt’s wife Myra, his friend Paul Riesling, and his mistress Tanis Judique.
Plot Summary
Babbitt is a satirical critique of middle-class American society and the conformity and materialism that dominated the 1920s. The story follows the life of George F. Babbitt, who is struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life. He begins to question the values and beliefs of his society, but ultimately succumbs to the pressures of conformity and materialism.
Throughout the story, Babbitt experiences a series of personal and professional setbacks, including the death of his best friend, the breakdown of his marriage, and the loss of his business. These events force him to confront the reality of his own life and the emptiness of his existence.
In conclusion, Babbitt is a powerful allegory that explores the dangers of conformity and materialism in middle-class American society. Through the character of George F. Babbitt, Sinclair Lewis exposes the flaws and limitations of a society that values conformity over individuality and material wealth over personal fulfillment.
Allegorical Elements in Babbitt
Materialism and Conformity
Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis is a satirical novel that explores the themes of materialism and conformity. The novel is set in the 1920s, a time when society was changing rapidly, and people were becoming more focused on material possessions and social status. The character of George F. Babbitt is a prime example of this, as he is obsessed with his social status and material possessions. His life revolves around his business, his home, and his social circle.
The American Dream
Another allegorical element in Babbitt is the concept of the American Dream. Babbitt believes that if he works hard and follows the rules, he will be successful and happy. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the American Dream is a myth. Babbitt is successful, but he is not happy. He is trapped in a life that he does not enjoy, and he feels like he has no control over his own destiny.
Social Critique
Finally, Babbitt is a social critique of American society in the 1920s. Sinclair Lewis uses the character of Babbitt to expose the flaws in American society, such as the pressure to conform, the obsession with material possessions, and the myth of the American Dream. Through Babbitt, Lewis shows that American society is shallow and superficial, and that people are often more concerned with appearances than with substance.
Overall, Babbitt is a powerful allegory that explores the themes of materialism, conformity, the American Dream, and social critique. Through the character of George F. Babbitt, Sinclair Lewis exposes the flaws in American society and shows that the pursuit of material possessions and social status can lead to a shallow and unfulfilling life.
Character Analysis and Allegory
George F. Babbitt
George F. Babbitt is the central character of Sinclair Lewis’s novel, Babbitt. He is a successful, middle-class real estate broker with a wife and three children. Despite his apparent success, Babbitt is deeply dissatisfied with his life and his family. He rebels by having an affair, adopting a bohemian lifestyle, and advocating liberal politics. However, after his wife nearly dies, he realizes the importance of his family and returns to his conformist ways. Babbitt is an allegory for the American middle class during the 1920s, who were struggling to find meaning in their lives amidst the changing social and economic landscape.
Myra Babbitt
Myra Babbitt is George’s wife and a symbol of the traditional American housewife. She is portrayed as dull and unimaginative, with no interests beyond her domestic duties and social obligations. She is critical of her husband’s rebellious behavior and is content with their conformist lifestyle. Myra represents the societal pressure on women to conform to traditional gender roles and the lack of opportunities for women in the 1920s.
Paul Riesling
Paul Riesling is a friend of Babbitt and a symbol of the failed American dream. He is a talented musician who dreams of being a violinist in Europe but is trapped in a troubled marriage and a dead-end job. Riesling’s character highlights the limitations of the American Dream and the disillusionment of those who are unable to achieve it.
Overall, Babbitt is a powerful allegory that explores the struggles of the American middle class during the 1920s. The characters represent different aspects of American society and the challenges faced by individuals who are trying to find meaning in their lives.
Themes and Motifs
Satire of Middle-Class America
Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis is a satirical novel that explores the conformity and materialistic nature of middle-class American society in the early 20th century. The novel satirizes the lives of the middle-class businessmen, who are more concerned with their social status and material possessions than their personal values and beliefs. Lewis uses irony and humor to expose the hypocrisy and shallowness of the middle-class society, where people are more concerned with fitting in than standing out.
Search for Identity
The novel also explores the theme of the search for identity. The protagonist, George F. Babbitt, is a middle-aged businessman who is dissatisfied with his life and feels that he has lost his sense of identity. He is trapped in a conformist society that does not allow him to express his true self. Babbitt’s search for identity is a common theme in modernist literature, where writers explore the alienation and isolation of the individual in the modern world.
Conflict Between Individualism and Conformity
Another major theme in Babbitt is the conflict between individualism and conformity. Babbitt is torn between his desire to be an individual and his need to conform to the expectations of his society. He struggles to balance his personal desires with the demands of his social status and his family. This conflict is a common theme in American literature, where writers explore the tension between individualism and the pressures of conformity in a society that values both.
In conclusion, Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis is a satirical novel that explores the conformity and materialism of middle-class American society in the early 20th century. The novel also explores the themes of the search for identity and the conflict between individualism and conformity. Lewis uses humor and irony to expose the hypocrisy and shallowness of the middle-class society and to explore the inner struggles of the individual in a conformist society.
Sinclair Lewis’s Commentary
Critique of Capitalism
In “Babbitt,” Sinclair Lewis offers a critique of capitalism and the middle-class American lifestyle. The novel portrays the character of George Babbitt as a successful real estate broker who is obsessed with material wealth and social status. However, Babbitt’s life lacks meaning and purpose, and he is ultimately unfulfilled. Lewis suggests that the pursuit of wealth and status can lead to a shallow and unfulfilling existence.
Religion and Morality
Lewis also comments on the role of religion and morality in American society. The novel portrays Babbitt as a hypocrite who claims to be a devout Christian but does not live up to Christian values in his daily life. Lewis suggests that many Americans use religion and morality as a facade to hide their true desires and motivations.
Gender Roles and Feminism
Finally, “Babbitt” also deals with gender roles and the feminist movement. The novel portrays women as subservient to men and reinforces traditional gender roles. However, Lewis also introduces female characters who challenge these gender roles and advocate for women’s rights. In doing so, Lewis offers a critique of traditional gender roles and suggests that women should have equal rights and opportunities.
Overall, “Babbitt” is a powerful critique of American society and the values that underpin it. Through his portrayal of George Babbitt and other characters, Sinclair Lewis offers a scathing commentary on capitalism, religion, morality, and gender roles.
Literary Devices and Techniques
Symbolism
In “Babbitt” by Sinclair Lewis, symbolism is used to represent the values and culture of 1920s America. For example, the character of George F. Babbitt represents the conformist middle-class American who is desperate to maintain his status in society. The city of Zenith, where the story takes place, represents the materialistic and superficial nature of American society during this time period. The use of symbolism helps to emphasize the satirical nature of the novel and to critique the values of American society.
Irony
Irony is another literary device used in “Babbitt”. Throughout the novel, the author uses situational irony to highlight the discrepancies between the characters’ actions and their beliefs. For instance, Babbitt is a middle-aged real estate agent who is dissatisfied with his life, yet he continues to conform to societal expectations and values. The use of irony helps to add depth to the characters and to the overall message of the novel.
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is used in “Babbitt” to hint at future events and to create suspense. For example, early in the novel, Babbitt is introduced as a man who is dissatisfied with his life and yearns for something more. This foreshadows his eventual rebellion against societal norms and values later in the novel. The use of foreshadowing helps to build tension and anticipation, and to create a sense of inevitability about the events that unfold.
In conclusion, Sinclair Lewis uses various literary devices and techniques in “Babbitt” to critique the values and culture of 1920s America. Symbolism, irony, and foreshadowing are just a few examples of the techniques used to create a satirical and thought-provoking novel.
Reception and Impact
Critical Reception
Upon its publication in 1922, Babbitt received mixed reviews from literary critics. Some praised Sinclair Lewis for his vivid portrayal of the American middle-class, while others criticized the novel for its lack of plot and character development. However, despite the mixed reviews, the novel became an instant bestseller and remains a classic of American literature to this day.
Influence on Modern Literature
Babbitt has had a significant impact on modern literature, particularly in the realm of social commentary and satire. The novel’s exploration of conformity and the stifling nature of middle-class life has inspired numerous works of literature, including J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye and Tom Wolfe’s The Bonfire of the Vanities.
Cultural Significance
Babbitt is also significant for its cultural impact, as it helped to solidify the image of the American middle-class businessman as a cultural icon. The novel’s protagonist, George F. Babbitt, has become a symbol of the conformist, materialistic values that have come to define American society. Babbitt’s influence can be seen in popular culture, from television shows like Mad Men to films like American Beauty.
Overall, Babbitt’s impact on American literature and culture cannot be overstated. Despite its mixed critical reception, the novel has remained a beloved classic that continues to resonate with readers today.