Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis is a satirical novel that critiques the conformist and materialistic culture of middle-class America in the 1920s. The story follows George F. Babbitt, a successful but discontented real estate agent living in the fictional city of Zenith. Outwardly, Babbitt is the epitome of a conventional businessman: he embraces consumerism, values social status, and aligns himself with conservative ideals.
Despite his outward success, Babbitt feels a deep sense of dissatisfaction with his life. He begins to question the values of his peers and the emptiness of his routine. This leads him to experiment with rebellion, including befriending a liberal colleague, engaging in an affair, and briefly rejecting the societal norms he once upheld. However, his attempts to break free from conformity are met with resistance from both society and his inner need for acceptance. In the end, Babbitt retreats back into his role, but with a faint recognition of his unfulfilled dreams.
Babbitt is a sharp critique of the American middle-class lifestyle, exploring themes of individuality, societal pressure, and the hollowness of material success. Sinclair Lewis’s biting satire remains a powerful commentary on the challenges of maintaining personal authenticity in a conformist world.
