Babbitt
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4.2 • 139 Ratings
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Publisher Description
Babbitt, first published in 1922, is a novel by Sinclair Lewis. Largely a satire of American culture, society, and behavior, it critiques the vacuity of middle-class American life and its pressure toward conformity. An immediate and controversial bestseller, Babbitt is one of Lewis's best-known novels and was influential in the decision to award him the Nobel Prize in literature in 1930.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Lewis's tale of middle-class frustration, stress and success in the 1920s is brought to life by the L.A. Theatre Works' 1987 full cast production featuring more than 30 actors, including Ed Asner (as Babbitt), Judge Reinhold, Ted Danson, Richard Dreyfuss, Helen Hunt and John Lithgow. With a deep and raspy voice and with great projection, Asner delivers a believable and amusing performance that securely anchors the entire production. Whether bullying his family or spouting politics with his friends at the club, Asner keeps the consistency of the self-aggrandizing character solid throughout. Jazz music segues well between scenes, though without any additional production sound beyond voices, it can at times feel out of place. While the full cast proves enjoyable in their individual parts, many take turns narrating the exposition throughout the production. At times, this is executed well, but sometimes it feels as if the director is just trying to give everyone more voice time.
Customer Reviews
Alternate Perspective
Athough this book was originally written as a satyrical critique of the dominant American culture of the early twentieth century (pre Depression and pre WWII), its place in literature today takes on a much greater and deeper meaning. In A.D. 2015, we are living amidst the polar opposite culture which Sinclair Lewis has satyrized. The quote that easily comes to mind (and was surely very far from Lewis') , "be careful what you wish for"!!
Babbitt
Excellent read.
Had To Read This For Ap11
This book is sooooooooooooooooo boring. I died a little on the inside reading this.