Babbitt

By Sinclair Lewis

Sinclair Lewis’s “Babbitt” is a satirical novel that skewers the values and culture of 1920s America. Through the use of literary devices such as irony, characterization, and symbolism, Lewis creates a memorable protagonist in George F. Babbitt, a middle-aged real estate agent who is desperate to maintain his status in the world of the “booster class.” The novel explores themes of conformity, materialism, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world, making it a timeless classic of American literature.

Themes 📚

1. Conformity and individualism: The novel explores the tension between the desire to conform to societal expectations and the desire to be true to oneself and one’s own values.
2. Materialism and consumerism: The novel examines the theme of materialism and consumerism, as characters strive to accumulate wealth and possessions in order to maintain their status in society.
3. The search for meaning: The novel explores the theme of the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world, as characters struggle to find purpose and fulfillment in their lives.
4. Class and status: The novel examines the complexities of social class and status, as characters navigate the social hierarchy and try to maintain their position in the “booster class” of midwestern America.
5. Satire and critique of American culture: The novel uses satire to critique American culture and values, from the conformist mindset of middle-class America to the shallow materialism of the consumerist lifestyle.
6. The role of women: The novel explores the role of women in society, from the traditional domestic roles assigned to them to the emerging feminist movement of the early 20th century.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Satire: Sinclair Lewis uses satire to criticize and mock the values and culture of middle-class America, such as the conformity and materialism of the “booster class.”
2. Irony: Irony is used to create a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens, such as when Babbitt is criticized for his conformity while simultaneously being praised for his individuality.
3. Characterization: The novel uses characterization to create complex and memorable characters, such as the protagonist George F. Babbitt, who embodies the contradictions and complexities of middle-class American culture.
4. Symbolism: Symbolism is used to represent important ideas and themes, such as the use of the electric sign in Babbitt’s real estate office to represent the false promises and superficiality of the consumerist lifestyle.
5. Allusion: Allusion is used to reference other works of literature or cultural phenomena, such as the reference to Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” in the character of Seneca Doane.
6. Imagery: Imagery is used to create vivid descriptions of the setting and characters, such as the description of the bustling city streets of Zenith.
7. Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is used to hint at future events and create a sense of tension and anticipation, such as when Babbitt’s discontent with his life begins to emerge early in the novel.
8. Dialogue: Dialogue is used to reveal character and advance the plot, and the novel is full of distinctive and memorable dialogue that captures the nuances of middle-class American speech.
9. Point of view: The novel uses a third-person limited point of view, allowing readers to see the world through the eyes of the protagonist Babbitt while also maintaining a critical distance.
10. Motif: Motifs such as the use of brand names and slogans throughout the novel are used to reinforce the themes of consumerism and materialism, while the repeated use of certain phrases and images creates a sense of continuity and coherence throughout the narrative.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Satire

Example	Explanation
The portrayal of Babbitt’s conformist attitude	This is a satirical critique of middle-class conformity and the lack of individuality in American society.
The depiction of Babbitt’s materialistic values	This is a satirical critique of consumerism and the pursuit of material wealth.
The portrayal of Babbitt’s hollow relationships	This is a satirical critique of superficial social connections and the lack of genuine human relationships in modern society.

2. Irony

Example	Explanation
Babbitt’s dissatisfaction despite his material success	This is an example of situational irony, emphasizing the hollowness of material success.
Babbitt’s desire for freedom leading to social isolation	This is an example of dramatic irony, as the freedom Babbitt seeks results in his alienation from society.
Babbitt’s criticism of nonconformists, even though he himself longs for nonconformity	This is an example of verbal irony, revealing Babbitt’s hypocrisy and internal conflict.

3. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The fairy child	The fairy child symbolizes Babbitt’s desire for escape from his mundane life.
Babbitt’s house	His house symbolizes the materialistic and conformist society Babbitt is part of.
Paul’s gun	The gun symbolizes the destructive outcomes of societal pressure and lack of personal fulfillment.

4. Allusion

Example	Explanation
Reference to contemporary political figures	These allusions provide historical context and contribute to the realism of the novel.
Reference to popular culture, such as movies and songs	These allusions help create a vivid picture of the society Babbitt lives in.
Reference to business brands and products	These allusions underscore the novel’s critique of consumerism.

5. Imagery

Example	Explanation
The description of Zenith	The imagery used to describe Zenith conveys the uniformity and lack of individuality in the city.
The description of Babbitt’s house	The imagery used to describe Babbitt’s house highlights his materialistic values.
The description of Babbitt’s office	The imagery used here emphasizes the mundane, repetitive nature of Babbitt’s work life.

FAQs 💭