1. Lewis’ structure of Babbitt. 2. Aspects of American home life satirized by Lewis. 3. Babbitt as a caricature. 4. The “dull” things in Babbitt’s life. 5. Lewis’ attitude toward Myra Babbitt. 6. Lewis’ feelings about Midwestern morality. 7. Babbitt: a hypocrite or an honest man? 8. Lewis’ portrait of […]
Read more Study Help Essay QuestionsCritical Essay Technique and Content in Babbitt
Most of Sinclair Lewis’ faults as a writer are the result of a tendency toward immoderation and overstatement. Lewis is frequently carried away by his enthusiasm for his subject or for rhetorical devices, and he often forgets to restrain himself artistically. As a result, the same characteristics of his style […]
Read more Critical Essay Technique and Content in BabbittCharacter Analysis George F. Babbitt
Beneath Babbitt’s exterior, there is a vague nervousness and comfortableness — a temporary nausea, caused by Babbitt’s ebbing intelligence, imagination, and integrity. And when the novel ends, Babbitt says that he feels fine and healthy, and to all appearances he is, but the reader knows that Babbitt’s last dregs of […]
Read more Character Analysis George F. BabbittSummary and Analysis Chapters 33-34
Summary One night Babbitt lies awake, bemoaning his fate. He chastises himself for having lost Tanis; he is sorry that his relationship with his wife is such a poor one. He recognizes that he and Myra have no chance for reconciliation unless he ends his rebellion against conformity, but his […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 33-34Summary and Analysis Chapter 32
Summary On his return home, Babbitt finds Myra waiting for him. An argument ensues, during which Babbitt boldly announces that he has been seeing another woman — drinking and doing all sorts of forbidden things. He justifies his actions by accusing Myra and all the other respectable people around him […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 32Summary and Analysis Chapters 30-31
Summary When Myra returns home, Babbitt tries his best to be attentive and warm. He finds it difficult, however, to restrain his impatience and irritability when he is in Myra’s company. He is torn between wanting to be a good husband and also wanting to continue his relationship with Tanis […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 30-31Summary and Analysis Chapter 29
Summary Tanis Judique’s friendship strengthens Babbitt’s resolution. At the club and elsewhere, he continues to be critical of many generally accepted beliefs. Some of his friends consider him a crank, but a few, like Vergil Gunch, seem seriously concerned about Babbitt’s radicalism. Babbitt soon begins to spend all his free […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 29Summary and Analysis Chapters 27-28
Summary Late in September, a major strike takes place in Zenith. It begins with a walkout of telephone company employees, and they are soon joined by truck drivers and dairy product workers. Many other unions act in sympathy with them and, before long, the city rings with talk of a […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 27-28Summary and Analysis Chapters 25-26
Summary In the morning, Babbitt awakens cheerfully. He reconsiders his behavior of the past few weeks and debates whether or not to continue his “rebellion.” He resolves to go on seeking, but promises himself that he will discontinue his futile chasing after girls. In August, Myra comes back to Zenith, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 25-26Summary and Analysis Chapter 24
Summary Babbitt visits Paul at the penitentiary and sadly realizes that his friend’s spirit is dead, even though there is life in his body. Babbitt also perceives that his own faith in the goodness of the world is dead. He unashamedly admits to himself that he is glad Myra is […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 24