Vocabulary in Babbitt

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.

Andirons are horizontal iron bars upon which logs can be laid for burning in a fireplace. Andirons usually come as a pair, and are commonly carved into intricate shapes or figures. Since “grenadier” means a soldier (one typically armed with grenades), we can assume that the Babbit’s andirons were shaped like two soldiers as part of a matching set.

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.

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.

In this context, the noun “skunk” means a contemptible person; that Gunch equates “Reds”—also known as communists—with detestable philosophers like Doane is telling of what he thinks of the labor movement. The color red is typically associated with labor movements to symbolize the blood and sacrifice of hard workers.

The noun “crank” means someone who is eccentrically obsessed with a particular idea or theory. It is typically used as an insult.

The adjective “pontifical” references the Roman Catholic figurehead, the pope, who is said to be infallible on religious matters. The pope frequently blesses his congregation through hand signals, which the action this passage references.

Babbitt’s preparation for his wife’s return is appropriately focused on appearances rather than substance. He focuses on cleaning the house and orders a fancy food—”squab” is a word for pigeon—to impress Myra when she returns by appearing respectable and middle-class.

The “monument” spoken of here refers to a gravestone. During the Renaissance, it was not uncommon for tombstones to include a statue of a virtue at their top. Patience was often represented as a figure of pensive sorrow; Tanis’s mother has mastered the art of making Tanis feel guilty with only a look.

The phrase “to raise Cain” alludes to the biblical story of Cain and his brother, Abel, whom Cain murdered for his own gain. Consequently, it means to unsettle order through acts of mischief or violence. Though it often carries a negative connotation, Ted clearly admires his father’s actions.

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.

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.

The word “Hades,” though originating in Greek myth, is used here to describe the Christian hell, which is typically portrayed as a fiery residence for immoral people. It was thought that hell had metal gates, which would be heated from the internal fire’s warmth.

The verb “dicker” means to argue about something petty or to treat a topic casually.