Babbitt

Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis is a sharp satire of American middle-class life in the 1920s, centered on George F. Babbitt, a successful but discontented real estate broker in the fictional city of Zenith. Babbitt embodies the conformist, materialistic values of his era, chasing wealth, status, and social approval while suppressing his inner desires for meaning and individuality. Initially proud of his achievements, he grows increasingly disillusioned with the emptiness of his lifestyle, leading to a brief rebellion against societal norms. However, his attempt to break free results in ridicule and isolation, forcing him back into conformity. Through Babbitt’s journey, Lewis critiques the hollowness of consumerism, the pressures of modern capitalism, and the stifling effects of conformity. Babbitt remains a powerful exploration of the tension between personal fulfillment and societal expectations, offering a timeless commentary on the cost of pursuing the "American Dream."