Character Analysis in Babbitt

Babbitt’s transactional attitude with the institution of family has left him feeling empty, touching on the core theme of the novel: playing by the rules does not pay.

This line represents what can be called a quintessential mid-life crisis. Upon reaching a certain age, Babbitt begins to feel dissatisfied with his achievements even though he has done everything he’s been told he should do. Since the tenants of the American Dream claim that all one needs to do is work hard to succeed, Babbit’s dissatisfaction here suggests that working hard and following rigid social expectations does not mean someone will achieve happiness and success.

A “Roughneck” is a colloquial term for a blue-collar worker. George expresses some guilt about his depression, considering that he is of a higher social status than “the fellows at the Roughnecks’ Table.” This suggests that depression and malaise are taboo to discuss among the wealthier classes.

Seneca Doane, a “radical” lawyer, directly addresses the prevalence of uniform conformity in Zenith. This conformity, Doane argues, extends past the acquirement of certain material possessions to also infiltrate how the residents of Zenith think, speak, and act. Doane condemns the individualism of “Family Men” who prioritize the good of their own family over the good of wider society.

The noun “arcanum” comes from the Latin word “arcanus,” meaning secret or mystery. Here, Lewis uses the word to demonstrate how Fink normally keeps his literary life to himself, but now feels confident enough to confide in the group.

Readers should notice that this statement is highly ironic: these men have been consistently repeating themselves throughout this conversation. This irony demonstrates the group’s complete lack of self-awareness and is an amusing moment for the reader.

This comment reflects certain class prejudice held by Babbitt and his peers. They believe that while they themselves should be afforded the liberty to drink, men of the lower classes are unable to regulate their drinking and spending. Furthermore, this comment further demonstrates how the value of working-class men lies entirely in their productiveness in the workplace rather than in any other contributions they make to society.

Once again Babbitt prioritizes appearances over reality. While he happily admits he likes a drink, he nevertheless is careful to remain within the acceptable limits of drinking for “polite” society. This precludes him from possessing a cocktail shaker, even though one would make his drink-mixing inevitably easier.

ything so unknown and so embarrassing as freedom.” The concept of freedom from society’s rules causes Babbitt to feel intense fear and embarrassment. Despite his desire to separate himself from his daily life by escaping to Maine, he is quite unable to comprehend what to do once he steps out of his daily routine.

The French word bellevue translates to “beautiful view.” It’s ironic, then, that Bellevue’s skyline is barren and unpleasant to behold. That Babbitt believes that Tanis could improve Bellevue simply through her presences shows how he still ascribes too much importance to looks and sophistication.

In comparison to Tanis, Myra is boring, unwilling to venture outside her comfort zone and make mistakes. While Tanis is carefree, cheerful, and willing to try new things, Myra remains at home, as duty dictates. It is not hard to see why Babbitt is attracted to Tanis in comparison to his wife: Tanis represents the freedom he so desperately craves.

This is an interesting passage to examine the gender dynamic between Tanis and Babbitt. Deferring to Babbitt’s ego, she lets him advise her on how to handle her finances, but eventually she reveals that she is more knowledgeable than he is without boasting of it. Notice the use of the word “feminine”—it implies that Tanis is pretending ignorance and deferring to Babbitt due to the expectations of her gender rather than her ability. This instance of conformity to social norms shows that Tanis is not as above popular culture as she pretends to be.

Meetings for this philosophy, popularized in the early 1900s, focused on meditation because it taught that one’s mental state directly affected everyday existence. The basic tenets of this philosophy were belief in an omnipotent, benevolent God, the existence of souls, a subsequent divinity of every human being, and the certainty of an afterlife. That Myra wants to learn more about the philosophy suggests that she is looking for a way to better her mental state.

Notice how the oppression Myra experiences is arguably more suffocating than that of Babbitt. Though Babbitt, as a man, has to freedom to go out and meet other people, Myra is confined to the home if she wants to remain part of polite middle-class society. It is telling that Babbitt can participate in the creation of a new cultural landscape but Myra must wait for the changes to filter down to her.

Because Babbitt has been caught up in contemplating his own sacrifices, he has completely overlooked Myra’s comparable unhappiness. Myra’s accusation is meant to remind him that society’s conformity does not only affect men: it also overwhelms women with its repetitive monotony, a fact which Babbitt has selfishly ignored.

Babbitt’s view of his wife is changing, albeit slowly. Instead of viewing her as part of the decor—something he keeps around for show, beneath him and not necessitating interaction—he’s beginning again to see her as an actual person worthy of his attention, as noted in the simile of Myra as similar to furniture. It’s paradoxical that it takes distance from her in order to again regard her as an equal.

This comparison of marriage and faith is appropriate when considering Babbitt’s character. As indicated in the comparison, Babbitt is experiencing a “break” between both—he doubts the superiority of nonconformity while at the same time Myra grows increasingly suspicious and combative. While his conviction in his new lifestyle wanes, so does his wife’s confidence in him as a faithful husband. The power of the simile also suggests that it is unpleasant to come to terms with these difficult truths.

Babbitt’s insistence that his troubles are rooted in women’s meddling rather than his own choices reveals his latent sexism and view of responsibility. When confronted with the slightest bit of resistance or inconvenience, Babbitt resorts to blaming external factors—or those considered less powerful than him, such as women—rather than his own weakness.

Now that Babbitt has realized that Tanis is no less small-minded than his colleagues, the formerly alluring woman is revealed to be flawed and aging. He suddenly finds her physical appearance and neediness revolting—again he rejects the pull of someone’s demanding comfort from him. He previously viewed Tanis as a cheery refuge from everyday dreariness; seeing her as old and unattractive completes his disillusionment with her brand of nonconformity.

Notice how the smallest details—like Tanis’s neat handwriting and stationery—sway Babbitt’s decision-making. He is not a man of strong convictions, subject to the influence of those around him even still.

Babbitt wavers, unsure in his will to break up with Tanis and indignant that she would presume to ask things of him. Notice how he blames Tanis’s desire to see him as a cause for his problems rather than his own befuddled uncertainty.

Following the rejection of his acquaintances, business partners, and mistress, Ted finds unexpected yet sincere comfort in Ted and Eunice’s approval. Notice that Babbitt, though, is typically stirred to action by others’ approval, not due to his own strong convictions. In this way Ted’s and Eunice’s support means little when contrasted with the overwhelming opposition he faces from the majority of the town.

This is not the first tangible instance of Babbitt’s supposedly loyal colleagues deserting him, but it appears to sting him more than others, perhaps because she lied about her reason for exiting his company. His discovery of her deception kickstarts Babbitt’s paranoia and is one factor that propels him toward rejoining polite society.

Notice the assumption that there are nice—here meaning wealthy, sophisticated, and well-connected—people and others whose opinions don’t matter. To offend the first group is social suicide; to offend the second is of no consequence. Myra, though saddened by the ruling conformity of the time, still believes in its relevance and the possibility of good through their adherence to it.

That Babbitt resents being invited to the Good Citizens’ League due to feeling pressured into joining is significant in that he’s still making a somewhat sincere show of resisting conformity. Though joining would be good for his business reputation—since the invitation was extended by “princes of commerce,” we can assume they would profitably assist his real estate ventures—at this point he is willing to accept the consequences of rejecting the League.

Babbitt’s insults toward the congressman (a “four-flusher” is one who bluffs at poker, having four of a kind instead of the five required for a flush, whereas being full of “hot air” means someone who talks passionately without saying anything substantial) show that he is still able to think critically rather than just conform to expected opinion. He also astutely observes that he and his compatriots owe their existence to immigrants, and that immigrants are not by default uneducated—an unpopular notion in this group, which will cause him to quickly take back his observation.

Lewis satirizes Babbitt’s perceived masculine dominance in this passage. It’s absurd for Myra to take responsibility for Babbitt’s affair, but he bullies her loudly enough that she concedes that she has somehow wronged him anyway. Readers will note that Myra, not Babbitt, is the true long-suffering martyr of the family, and that Babbitt’s mastery is achieved through unsavory means.

Notice Gunch’s way of tempting Babbitt into joining the League. Earlier, Babbitt refused because he felt as though he were being pressured into joining. Now, Gunch invites him rather than insists on his attendance, suggesting that the League needs Babbitt’s help, which makes him feel valuable and superior to the League’s members.

Although Babbitt’s marriage appears to be mending, it is a bittersweet moment. Here Babbitt comes to the conclusion that he must leave behind his individualistic pursuits because his family depends on him and his social respectability—and that he regrets even trying out a more nonconforming lifestyle. Notice the word choice surrounding Babbitt’s realization: “grimly” and “despairing” suggest that he is resigned to his fate rather than wholly accepting.

In contrast to the wild nights of parties and affairs, notice how still and unchanging this scene of Babbitt and Myra is. Myra sleeps, drugged, while Babbitt holds her hand. It’s a scene of quiet devotion and a settling into a marriage unit rather than a search for individualistic meaning.

The doctor’s casual treatment of his household possessions and unhurried attendance to Myra contrast with Babbitt’s newfound urgency and care for his wife’s wellbeing. Since the doctor’s offhanded comments about Myra’s health indicate he does not view her illness as serious, readers are able to see how much more devoted Babbitt has become—though it is not clear if this emerges out of sincere concern for his wife or because her illness is a welcome distraction from his internal conflict.

Notice how insincere Drew’s prayer is. Instead of earnestly believing his prayer will help Babbitt, he uses this opportunity to subtly relish his social position and supposed moral purity. This speaks to Lewis’s frequent portrayal of characters using religion for social advancement or commercial ventures rather than sincerely believing in religious tenets.

Babbitt’s long rebellion is reduced in this passage to support for his son. Though he may never directly rebel again, he supports the choices of the next generation. In this way, the ending is happy, though readers will note that Babbitt must live vicariously through his son as opposed to chasing after his own happiness.

Tinka Babbitt, ever the optimist, is the only family member who is happy with Ted and Eunice’s marriage. She continues to be a source of support—whether out of kindness or naivete is unclear, however.

Note that Babbitt still retains some of his critical thinking ability. Though the whole group wants to do work with Traction, Babbitt is uneasy about the morality of their business dealings. Ultimately, the lure of money and the ease of remaining in the group trumps his conscience.