Babbitt (eBook)

Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951) was an American novelist, short-story writer, and playwright. Hailing from Sauk Centre, Minnesota, he was deeply influential in the early 20th century, becoming the first American to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1930. With a sharp wit and a critical eye, Lewis's work often provided a satirical look at American society, particularly concerning the pressures of conformity and materialism. His seminal work, 'Babbitt' (1922), epitomizes this literary style, where he explores and skewers the life of a middle-class American businessman who grapples with the banality of his existence. The novel famously gave rise to the term 'Babbittry,' signifying a person, environment, or situation especially concerned with middle-class stultification and the pursuit of material success. Lewis was known for his insightful characterizations and his ability to capture the spirit of an era, particularly the 1920s and 1930s. He explored themes of individuality vs. conformity, the complexity of social mores, and the pervasive sense of disillusionment that characterized the interwar period. Beyond 'Babbitt,' his other notable works include 'Main Street' (1920), 'Arrowsmith' (1925), which won the Pulitzer Prize but was refused by Lewis, and 'It Can't Happen Here' (1935), a cautionary tale of the rise of fascism in America. Lewis's work remains a touchstone for understanding the social and cultural dynamics of early 20th-century America.