Study Guide to Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis

A comprehensive study guide offering in-depth explanation, essay, and test prep for Sinclair Lewis’s Babbitt, a novel that contributed to Lewis’ eventual Nobel Prize award.


As a satirical novel of the roaring twenties, Babbitt addresses the “American Dream” as was idolized by the middle class in early 20th century America. Moreover, this satirical work points to the attitudes, values, and beliefs of the American middle class living in such a prosperous time, with an emphasis on security and conformity. This Bright Notes Study Guide explores the context and history of Lewis’ classic work, helping students to thoroughly explore the reasons it has stood the literary test of time. Each Bright Notes Study Guide contains:


- Introductions to the Author and the Work

- Character Summaries

- Plot Guides

- Section and Chapter Overviews

- Test Essay and Study Q&As


The Bright Notes Study Guide series offers an in-depth tour of more than 275 classic works of literature, exploring characters, critical commentary, historical background, plots, and themes. This set of study guides encourages readers to dig deeper in their understanding by including

essay questions and answers as well as topics for further research.