Babbitt: Analysis of Major Characters
"Babbitt" is a novel by Sinclair Lewis that critiques American middle-class life through the character of George F. Babbitt, a successful real-estate dealer in the fictional city of Zenith. Babbitt embodies the conformist ideals of his time, prioritizing material wealth and social status while grappling with a profound sense of dissatisfaction. His life takes a turn when he becomes involved in a political campaign and begins to question the values he has long upheld, especially after witnessing his friend Paul Riesling’s drastic actions against his unhappy marriage.
Throughout the narrative, Babbitt's relationships with his family members, including his dutiful wife Myra and his unconventional daughter Verona, highlight the generational and societal pressures that shape their lives. Other significant characters include the ambitious but troubled Paul Riesling and Mrs. Judique, with whom Babbitt has a brief affair. The story addresses the tensions between personal desires and societal expectations, ultimately illustrating the challenges of breaking free from convention. As Babbitt experiences a brief rebellion against the norms of Boosterism, he ultimately succumbs to societal pressures, raising poignant questions about authenticity and the pursuit of happiness in modern American life.
Babbitt: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Sinclair Lewis
First published: 1922
Genre: Novel
Locale: Zenith, a fictional Midwestern town
Plot: Social satire
Time: The 1920's
George F. Babbitt, a prosperous real-estate dealer in Zenith, a typical American city. He is the standardized product of modern American civilization, a member of the Boosters' Club, hypnotized by all the slogans of success, enthralled by material possessions, envious of those who have more, patronizing towards those who have less, yet dimly aware that his life is unsatisfactory. His high moment comes when, after delivering a speech at a real-estate convention, he is asked to take part in a political campaign against Seneca Doane, a liberal lawyer who is running for mayor. As a result of his campaign efforts, Babbitt is elected vice-president of the Boosters. His self-satisfaction is shattered when his one real friend, Paul Riesling, shoots his nagging wife and is sent to prison. For the first time, Babbitt begins to doubt the values of American middle-class life. He has a love affair with a client, Mrs. Judique, and becomes involved with her somewhat bohemian friends; he publicly questions some of the tenets of Boosterism; he refuses to join the Good Citizens' League. But the pressure of public opinion becomes too much for him; when his wife is taken ill, his brief revolt collapses, and he returns to the standardized world of the Boosters' Club.
Myra Babbitt, his colorless wife, whom he married because he could not bear to hurt her feelings. She lives only for him and the children.
Verona Babbitt, their dumpy daughter. Just out of college, she is a timid intellectual whose mild unconventionality angers her father. He is relieved when she marries Kenneth Escott.
Theodore (Ted) Babbitt, their son. A typical product of the American school system, he hates study and the thought of college. He elopes with Eunice Littlefield, thus winning his father's secret admiration, for he has at least dared to do what he wanted.
Paul Riesling, Babbitt's most intimate friend since college days. With the soul of a musician, he has been trapped into a lifetime of manufacturing tar-roofing, and he is burdened with a shrewish wife. Goaded to desperation, he shoots her; although she lives, he is sent to prison.
Zilla Riesling, Paul's nagging wife. With a vicious disposition that is made worse by having too much time on her hands, she finally prompts Paul to shoot her.
Mrs. Daniel “Tanis” Judique, a widow with whom Babbitt has a brief affair as a part of his revolt against conventionality.
Seneca Doane, a liberal lawyer, the anathema of all the solid businessmen of Zenith.
William Washington Eathorne, a rich, conservative banker. He represents the real power in Zenith.
Charles McKelvey and Lucille McKelvey, wealthy members of Zenith's smart set. The Babbitts are hopeful of being accepted socially by the McKelveys but do not succeed.
Ed Overbrook and Mrs. Overbrook, a down-at-the-heels couple. They are hopeful of being accepted socially by the Babbitts but do not succeed.
The Reverend Dr. John Jennison Drew, the efficient, high-powered pastor of Babbitt's church.
Vergil Gunch, a successful coal dealer. He is prominent in all the civic organizations to which Babbitt belongs.
T. Cholmondeley “Chum” Frink, a member of Babbitt's social group. He is a popular poet whose work is syndicated throughout the country.
Howard Littlefield, Babbitt's next-door neighbor. An economist for the Zenith Street Traction Company, he can prove to everyone's satisfaction that Zenith is the best of all possible worlds.
Eunice Littlefield, his flapper daughter. She elopes with Ted Babbitt, to the public surprise and indignation of both families but to Babbitt's secret delight.
Kenneth Escott, a newspaper reporter. After a tepid courtship, he finally marries Verona Babbitt.