Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- When do the cracks first appear in George Babbitt's lifestyle? Can you pinpoint the moment when his doubts start to set in? Where do they start and why?
- Does Sinclair Lewis ever offer a satisfying alternative to Babbitt's life of conformity? How so? How not so?
- What does the "fairy child" symbolize for George Babbitt? Use specific evidence from the text to support your answer.
- Is there an antagonist or "bad guy" in this book? If so, who is it and why? If not, why isn't there one?
- What did George dream of becoming when he was a young man? What did his friend Paul dream of? How have their lives turned out compared to these dreams?
- What are some of the first signs that Babbitt's friends at the Boosters Club and Athletic Club are becoming annoyed with Babbitt's newfound rebelliousness? Please use specific evidence from the text to support your answer.
- How does Babbitt react to Ted's elopement at the end of the book? What does the reaction tell us about Babbitt's character?
- What crisis brings Babbitt back to a life of conformity? Why?