Babbitt is truly an insufferable conformist buffoon. He blindly follows the norms and values of society without any thought or question. However, when we read about him in Lewis' capable satirical hands, something magical happens.

Lewis has the remarkable ability to turn this seemingly unlikable character into a source of entertainment. Through his sharp wit and keen观察力, he exposes the absurdities and follies of Babbitt's conformist ways.

The reader is drawn into Babbitt's world, filled with his mundane daily routines and his desperate attempts to fit in. We watch as he makes one ridiculous decision after another, all in the name of conforming.

Despite his flaws, Babbitt becomes a fascinating character to observe. Lewis' satirical portrayal allows us to laugh at his antics while also reflecting on the larger issues of conformity and individuality in society.

In conclusion, while Babbitt may be an insufferable conformist buffoon, he is also a testament to Lewis' talent as a satirical writer. His story is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the human condition.

I had never delved into the works of Sinclair Lewis before. However, he caught my attention when it was mentioned in a library school class that the heroine of his book "Main Street" embarked on her 'career' as a librarian. This piqued my curiosity, and when I came across the audio version of "Babbitt" at the library, I decided to give it a try.

From the very beginning, I was captivated by the vivid and detailed description of daily life in the USA during 1920. George F. Babbitt, a middle-aged realtor residing in Zenith, a medium-sized town in middle America, takes center stage. Lewis' portrayal of Babbitt is a satirical yet incisive look into the mindset of the average American of that era. As I read, with the knowledge that the Depression loomed on the horizon, it seemed to bear an uncanny resemblance to the 1990s in our own generation, feeling eerily familiar.

You can step back and observe how Lewis playfully mocks Babbitt's ideas. But as the story progresses, it becomes evident that Lewis has a deep understanding and empathy for this ordinary American. Above all, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of my grandparents. I can recognize some of the ideas as those I heard from them and from my parents. It is the foundation, for better or worse, upon which the current generation has been built.

Babbitt's fictional town, Zenith, may have been inspired by Cincinnati, Ohio, where Lewis spent a significant amount of time while researching the book. While listening, I referred to the notes in the "Library of America" printed version to gain a better understanding of details that might be unfamiliar to modern readers. Beyond the engaging story itself, I found the ideas of people living in the 1920s and how they have evolved over time to be truly fascinating. The audio version I listened to, narrated by George Guidall, was exceptionally well-performed, adding another layer of enjoyment to the experience.

The Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, formerly known as the Pulitzer Prize for the Novel, has always held a significant and respected position in American literature. It is awarded to the finest piece of literature (as judged by the jury) created by an American author in the previous year. However, the definition of great literature has evolved over time. In the 1920s, the Pulitzer Prize for the Novel was specifically defined as being for the American novel that best presented the wholesome atmosphere of American life, along with the highest standard of American manners and manhood. This definition led to controversies, such as when Lewis' Main Street was refused the prize despite being selected by the jury, and when he refused the award for Arrowsmith in protest. It also influenced the writing of his best-selling novel, Babbitt.

Lewis was a remarkable figure. He created a new genre and style of literature, won the Nobel Prize, and sold a large number of copies. His novels were highly successful, with some being the top bestsellers of their respective years. Babbitt itself had a significant impact, remaining in the top ten for two consecutive years and even getting its own dictionary entry. It can be considered a combination of One Hundred Years of Solitude and Clear and Present Danger for the 1920s.
The novel has both pros and cons. On the positive side, it provides a highly informative and detailed survey of life in America in 1920. It mirrors and foreshadows modern life in many aspects, which can be unsettling and depressing. It is an aggressive satire that is often amusing and even hilarious at times. The use of 1920 slang and idiom adds to its charm and authenticity. It may also be regarded as the Ur-Text of the modern Literary Novel genre. However, it also has some drawbacks. It can be slow-paced, with little exciting happening until the second half. Much of the novel could potentially be removed without significantly affecting the overall story. The impact of the novel has been somewhat diminished over time due to the changing language and social context. Lewis, despite winning the Nobel Prize, is not considered a particularly excellent writer in technical terms. His attempts at wry irony are not as successful as those of Wodehouse or Cabell, and he tends to be overly verbose.
In conclusion, Babbitt is a novel that has its place in history and is worthy of being read by those interested in its era or themes. It offers valuable insights into American life and society in the 1920s. However, it may not be considered one of the greatest novels of all time. Whether or not to include it on a list of must-read books depends on individual preferences and interests. If you are interested in the history of literature or want to explore the themes and style of the 1920s, Babbitt can be a rewarding read. But if you are looking for a more engaging and tightly plotted novel, you may want to consider other options.

George F. Babbit is 46 years old and works as a real estate agent. He is eager to apply American values and the appearance of a luxurious life. He didn't produce anything specific, no butter, no shoes, not even hair. However, he was extremely proficient in selling houses at a high price.

It is a respected social novel, and the author enchants you with the details of Babbit's personal portrayal, who adheres to American values, along with a happy ending for his beautiful family.

George Babbit's life is a complex web of aspirations and contradictions. On one hand, he is driven by the desire for material success and social status, constantly striving to fit into the American dream. On the other hand, he sometimes feels a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction beneath the surface of his seemingly perfect life.

The novel explores themes such as consumerism, conformity, and the search for meaning in a modern society. Through Babbit's character, the author presents a critique of the values and ideals that dominate American culture.

Despite his flaws, Babbit is a relatable character, and his story invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the choices they make. The novel offers a thought-provoking look at the human condition and the challenges we face in a rapidly changing world.

I think I may have read a short story or two by Sinclair Lewis during high school or early college. However, if I did, I don't remember it. Lewis was never one of the early modern American writers that I was overly curious about. So, when Anna gave me a copy of Babbitt that she bought at a discount book sale, along with several other books, for my birthday, I was perhaps least excited about Babbitt among that group of books. I really knew nothing about it, aside from having heard of it before. Maybe I'd heard of the movie? I think it was translated to film decades ago.

One of the more fascinating aspects of this book, for me, is that it was written and published during the time frame (mid-1920s) in which the story was set. It was a time of Prohibition, pre-Depression, and the rise of the middle class with their faith and optimism in business. Babbitt's refrain early in the book, when he speaks of politics, "What we need is a sound business Administration!" reflects this. There was also fear and hatred of socialism and communism (and unions) among the middle and upper class, as well as significant leaps and bounds in generational mores and folkways. Reserved parents contrasted with the wilder lifestyles of young people, complete with speakeasies, jazz, flappers, and a more open and comfortable mindset toward sex. Anyways, I digress. The fact that it's written and published when it's set is fascinating because the novel is such a clear and perceptive satire, with a great deal of pointed commentary, both directly stated and subtly implied. In my opinion, it would have been a very daring literary feat at the time. I read that Lewis traveled extensively while researching this book, visiting small American mid-western cities, studying their dialect, politics, children, lives, and jobs, in order to craft this novel. In some ways, it is very reflective of the great satirists of Restoration England like Jonathan Swift, but at the same time, it is incredibly Modernist.

The only reason someone now might have for not reading Babbitt is the thought that perhaps the setting, and thus the satire, is a little dated. Certainly, the slang and dialect are unfamiliar and seem rather silly, and I think that was the author's intention. But Lewis addresses ideas and tendencies of American middle class people that are still relevant. I felt I recognized many tendencies of the America that Lewis knew that are still present and still at issue. Also, for a satire, sometimes, as a point of the allegorical nature of satire, the characters are archetypes and stereotypes that remain static throughout the length of the work. In Babbitt, it's fascinating to see how Lewis seems to be so hard on Babbitt, on his way of life, his thoughts, and tendencies, through his satire. Babbitt is naive and bumbling, not at all very heroic, and often not very likeable (to me). But over the course of the novel, I think Lewis grows more fond of Babbitt as Babbitt struggles to understand why he is so unhappy. Instead of being a whipping boy and poster boy for the satirical nature of the novel, which he seems to be at first, he becomes more easily recognizable as a very important and special human being who is heroic in his own way, as cheesy as that sounds. I think of Babbitt (the novel) as an epic of middle-class proportions.

I have an unwavering love for Sinclair's Main Street, and I am extremely delighted to state that Babbitt was equally pleasurable. This novel is truly timeless. Despite the significant changes that have occurred - both socially and politically - since its initial publication in 1922, the core messages still hold the same profound impact today as they did back then. Sinclair Lewis is an outstanding satirist and a master of words.

The narrator, Grover Gardner, is one of my personal favorites. In my humble opinion, he was the ideal choice as the voice of Babbitt. He did an amazing job. His narration added an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the story, making it even more engaging and captivating.

Overall, Babbitt is a remarkable novel that continues to resonate with readers across generations. It offers valuable insights into human nature, society, and the pursuit of the American Dream. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking literature.

Babbit, written in the early 1920s, is the fascinating epic of an average American man. He is a citizen of an average city (the best of all, Zenith), leading an average life of moderate success, with an average family, and a creeping average depression.

Everything is average because Babbit's greatest fear is to step out of mediocrity. Even though within him, everything yearns for something distinctive that would make him stand out among his peers.

So, although he achieves commercial success (he is the owner of a highly successful real estate agency with normal political entanglements), distinguishes himself as a political orator, and has a rather happy extramarital affair, yet all this only makes him more restless.

This state of mind is further aggravated by the blow of his friend Paolo, which deprives him of the only truly dear shoulder and leads him to the only rebellion in his life. However, this rebellion will soon end as he cannot bear the lack of approval from all his acquaintances.

What is fascinating in the book is not so much Babbit's story, told with gentle perfidy, but the observation of the formation of today's American society, the consolidation of the consumerist creed, the blind faith in advertising, in one's own racial superiority (already, not towards blacks who are just nice servants, no, towards "foreigners"), in the positivity of gigantism (and thus of the largest church, for example. The chapter on the actual war to increase the number of believers and converts is hilarious), etc.

It was 1920. It seems like today.

Smart. Witty. Utterly satirical.

If this is the kind of book you like, then you should definitely read this one. Even if you don't typically gravitate towards such works, you should still give it a try.

Often, when you read highly acclaimed books, the ending can disappoint. However, that is not the case with this one. From the very first page to the last, Lewis masterfully relays the story of everyday America.

Babbitt is an average upper middle to middle class businessman who suddenly has an awakening and realizes that he desires so much more from life. He was somewhat waylaid into a marriage, which diverted him from his career ambitions (not due to pregnancy, but rather because of midwestern niceness).

In his struggles, whether it's dealing with the nagging of his children or wife, encountering employees, having a mistress, or interacting with the other leaders of the business community, Babbitt is constantly fighting to maintain his sense of self against the pull of the populace. He wants to be different, but he lacks the intelligence and the ability to form his own opinions. He is all too willing to go with the flow, even if it means making money through unscrupulous means.

He finds some satisfaction in having a small rebellion with his friend Paul, who would have been an artist but has achieved much less than Babbitt himself and is now a roof tar salesperson. He enjoys having someone lower than himself, as it were. Although he is not what he wants to be, he is still far better off than Paul. Nevertheless, he discovers real friendship in Paul and is able to speak to him in a way that he cannot with anyone else.

Then, his world is shattered when Paul is arrested and jailed. This sends Babbitt careening down an unlikely path, one that will lead him to a Bohemian crowd and a mistress, causing him to lose his place in the business community and develop a certain stubbornness that he will not be bullied.

In the end, he comes full circle, returning to that same life and attitude, yet not at all the same. In his message to his son, which concludes the book, he gives him the caveat of not following his dream. Yes, this is Babbitt. The man without an opinion of his own, without any real intellect or desire except to have money, is now telling his son to follow his dreams unlike he did.

This Babbitt is a hero. Lewis handles him not with kid gloves, but with backhanded compliments, soft rebukes, and satire. Babbitt is a compelling and real character, and he is just as relevant in 1918 as he is in 2008. It is a definite must-read.

Well, folks,

I have been attempting to read Babbitt for approximately two weeks now, and today, I finally threw in the towel.

This novel is set during the Prohibition era in the 1920s. George Babbitt, a real estate dealer, takes great pride in his middle-class life and his automobile. His marriage lacks excitement, but he finds consolation in a strong friendship with Paul Riesling, his old college friend, and in the satisfaction of making money. By the time I abandoned this story, Babbitt has risen to become a Prominent Citizen in Zenith, which is supposed to be a typical city in the US.

I believe I understand the essence of this novel as a commentary on the emptiness of materialism. It is intended to be a satire of American suburban middle-class life. Frequently, Babbitt feels “triumphantly wealthy but perilously poor.” The story progresses very slowly, and I find it nearly impossible to share Babbitt's enthusiasm for real estate and his ostentatious fondness for oration. I can neither relate to him nor to any of the other characters. Babbitt reads like a desolate wasteland.

At 10%, I wanted to give up. At 49%, I still wanted to give up. And so I have. Sorry, Mr. Lewis.

This is a quintessential tear-down-the-Joneses kind of novel. It is an iconoclastic, rigorous, and upsetting riff on conformity. The banality of uniformity and conservatism is explored here, and frankly, we need more of such works.

It is startling that this was written in 1920 for two reasons. First, was it really that bad even back then? We might think that society's unimorphism and the blind corraling of tastes and mores happening now is bad, but it's not a new phenomenon. And in 1920, it was infinitely more inappropriate to diverge from the norm. Now, everyone is too busy looking at their smartphones, which are like rectangular anuses shitting out templates for living and loving, to be bothered by the occasional deviant.

Second, the period in which it was written was ripe for this kind of rejection of norms. Remember, it was the era of "The Wasteland", Dadaism, and the rise of jazz.

Would that we had works like this now! We badly need more Lewises and Zolas.

The plot is simple: real estate salesman Babbitt belongs to every club and obeys every rule. But one day, he decides that maybe it all kind of sucks.

Outstanding!

The CCLaP 100: In which I read for the first time a hundred so-called "classics," then write reports on whether or not they deserve the label.

Essay #55: Babbitt (1922), by Sinclair Lewis

The story in a nutshell: Sinclair Lewis' 1922 Babbitt is a continuation of his scathing indictment of middle-class Midwestern society. Set in the fictional Zenith, Winnemac*, it follows George Babbitt, a realtor embodying everything Lewis disliked. In the first half, we see Babbitt's typical work week where appearances matter. But in the second half, events question his beliefs. His spirit is broken, but the novel ends on a hopeful note.

The argument for it being a classic: Lewis was one of the first Americans to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. His works were popular and influential, paving the way for later 20th-century literature. Fans argue that it's time to acknowledge his impact.

The argument against: Critics view the novel as dated pop-culture, with excessive period slang. They question the legitimacy of the Big Bad Suburbs genre and claim Lewis was a commercial writer.

My verdict: Lewis is fascinating for his role in the tradition of denouncing middle-class societies. However, his writing style has its flaws. I declare Babbitt a classic, with some hesitation, cautioning readers that they might dislike it.

Is it a classic? Just barely.

(And don't forget that the first 33 essays in this series are now available in book form!)

Location of Sinclair Lewis' fictional state Winnemac

*The invention of Winnemac might be Lewis' most lasting legacy, allowing him to trash the Midwest without offending actual Midwesterners. It's the setting for all his novels after Babbitt and is located in a space comprising upper Indiana/Ohio and lower Michigan, with Zenith as a stand-in for various Midwestern industrial centers. Ironically, Midwestern cities used to have bragging contests over which was the real-life inspiration for Zenith.

An unflinching satire of American middle-class life, "Babbitt" presents a vivid picture of a man caught in the web of societal expectations. George F. Babbitt, a real estate agent in the fictional bustling city of Zenith, wears success like a badge. However, beneath the surface, he grapples with an inner void. His daily routine, filled with mundane tasks and empty socializing, stands in sharp contrast to his yearning for something more meaningful. His friendship with Paul Riesling, which culminates in Paul's desperate actions, serves as a wake-up call for Babbitt.

The humor in Babbitt's attempts to break free is both amusing and pitiful. His flirtation with a bohemian lifestyle and progressive politics is an awkward dance, filled with half-hearted gestures. His involvement with self-styled anarchists and his romance with a liberal artist provide rich sources of comedy. A peak of this chaos is his run-in with an overzealous private investigator, revealing his desperation and gullibility. Despite his efforts, Babbitt ultimately succumbs to societal pressure.

Sinclair Lewis's keen observations of early 20th-century America critique the emptiness of material success. Babbitt's portrayal of the shallow aspirations that define the American Dream is prophetically relevant. While the relentless focus on Babbitt's mediocrity can be tiring, it is a deliberate reflection of the very society Lewis seeks to criticize. Through "Babbitt," Lewis forces us to question the true meaning of success and the price we pay for conforming to society's norms.