'Babbitt' Questions for Study & Discussion

Babbitt is a novel by Sinclair Lewis. The work is a satire about American culture, and the novel was first published in 1922. Here are a few questions for study and discussion.

• What is important about the title?
  
  
• What are the conflicts in Babbitt? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) do you see in this story?
  
  
• How does Sinclair Lewis reveal character in Babbitt?
  
  
• What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
  
  
• What are some symbols in Babbitt? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
  
  
• Is George Babbitt consistent in his actions? Is he a fully developed character? How? Why?
  
  
• Is George Babbitt a sympathetic character?
  
  
• Do you find the characters likable? Would you want to meet the characters?
  
  
• Does the story end the way you expected? How? Why?
  
  
• What is the central/primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?
  
  
• How effective is the novel as a satire about American culture?
  
  
• How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?
  
  
• What is the role of women in the text?
  
  
• Would you recommend this story to a friend?