LEWIS SINCLAIR'S BABBITT- AMERICAN SOCIETY
Lewis Sinclair's Babbitt is anything but an ordinary character and this is evident from the fact that Babbitt is now part of our general vocabulary. As Hutchison notes, "Babbitt" has become a term in our vocabulary for the philistine businessman" (Pg. 7). He is a true representative of American upper-middle class society. It is important to remember that Babbitt is not a middle class member as many would argue but he is essentially a little higher on the social stratification ladder. This is clear from the abundance and affluence that he enjoys which is not always easily available to members of American middle class. But Babbitt is neither a member of the upper elite class as he still possesses a conscious and is basically a self-made man who worked hard to become part of the American bourgeois.
Though the novel was written more than 75 years ago, it is quite strange to see that Babbitt's character adequately portrays the upper middle class in the United States, complete with all its eccentricities and idiosyncrasies. Babbitt loves to possess material goods and believes that if he is surrounded...
He has earned respect in the business circle but has paid a huge price for that. It is this price that disturbs him deeply and has created a void inside him, which turns into open rebellion when his friend Paul is imprisoned for an alleged murder. This price is the loss of his idealism and suppression of his conscience.
Babbitt is a regular character that one can easily relate to because of his essential suburban characteristics and temperament. Like most of upper-middle-class Americans, Babbitt also values education without knowing exactly what goes on within the brick-walled buildings. He is a good husband but not exactly in love with his wife. Babbitt provides for his family and takes care of his responsibilities but is not exactly as passionate about his relationship with his spouse as he would idealistically want to be. This is where the conflict arises and Babbitt realizes that despite all the right kind of possessions and a stable relationship, he was deep down an unhappy man. The character displays all…
