Babbitt Summary

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Here you will find a Babbitt summary (Sinclair Lewis's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

Babbitt Summary Overview

The story is set in a contemporary Midwestern city named Zenith, where George F. Babbitt, an affluent middle-class realtor in his mid-40s, lives in dissatisfaction despite his prosperity. He often daydreams about a fairy girl who rekindles his youthful spirit. His household comprises his three children, Verona, Ted, and Tinka, and his unfashionable yet faithful wife, Myra. Babbitt's confidant, Paul Riesling, is even more discontent with his life, a sentiment he often voices. Having forsaken his dream of being a professional violinist, Riesling is trapped in the average life of a middle-class businessman of his era. His wife, Zilla, equally discontent with their dull, routine life, often expresses her frustration by relentlessly nagging Paul. Although Riesling frequently mentions divorcing Zilla, he never follows through. The two friends, Riesling and Babbitt, attempt to alleviate their discontent by vacationing in Maine. However, their brief taste of freedom is short-lived, and they soon return to their roles as middle-aged, married men. Both men start to feel an increasing urge to defy societal norms. When Babbitt learns about Riesling's extramarital affair, he advises him on the importance of maintaining a respectable social standing. Riesling, however, argues that his life is dreadful, and he sees no guilt in seeking solace in another woman's company. Soon after another dispute with Zilla, Riesling loses control, shoots his wife, and is sentenced to three years in prison. This turn of events deeply unsettles Babbitt, who finds his own rebellious desires surfacing. He starts an affair with a beguiling widow, Tanis Judique, whom he considers the embodiment of his daydreamed fairy girl. Concurrently, Babbitt becomes more disapproving of his friends' conservative views. His support for a looming general strike alienates him from his social circle. During his wife's absence, Babbitt indulges in late-night parties and drinking with Tanis and her bohemian friends, which doesn't go unnoticed by his friends. They attempt to lure him back to their group, but Babbitt stands firm, leading to a decline in his business. When his wife's severe illness forces him to return to his old life, Babbitt realizes it's too late for him to rebel and deeply regrets the anguish he caused her. Upon his son's surprising decision to elope and drop out of college, Babbitt advises him against conforming to societal expectations and encourages him to pursue his own happiness.

chapter 1

As daylight hits the thriving Midwestern city of Zenith, with its high-rise buildings and busy factories, 46-year-old realtor George F. Babbitt stirs from sleep, leaving behind his dream of a gracious maiden and his younger, adventurous self. In truth, Babbitt is an average middle-aged man, living in the suburban area of Floral Heights amidst all modern comforts. Zenith's morning bustle and Babbitt's technologically advanced alarm clock interrupt his dreamland. As he grudgingly starts his day, he complains about the absence of dry towels, resorting to the seldom-used guest towel. His head aches from the previous night's activities which involved drinking illegal beer, smoking cigars and playing poker. He begrudgingly prepares for the day, aided by his wife Myra, before they join their three kids, Verona, Ted, and Tinka, for breakfast. Verona, a Bryn Mawr alumna and a filing clerk, aspires to do more socially meaningful work. Babbitt, however, considers charity work to be detrimental to the poor's initiative and would rather see Verona advance to a secretarial position, a better application of her costly education, according to him. Ted, a high-schooler, is unsure about pursuing higher education. He is mostly preoccupied with stylish clothes, girls, and automobiles. Tensions arise over who gets to use the car while Tinka complains about a broken promise from Babbitt. Amidst the chaos, Tinka sneakily overindulges in sugary cereal, which irks health-conscious Babbitt.

chapter 2

Babbitt finds solace in the morning paper after the children's noisy breakfast. Reading it to Myra, he finds that only the society pages catch her attention. When a column praising Charles McKelvey's extravagant parties emerges, Myra timidly expresses her wish to visit his house. Babbitt commends her as "a great old girl," lamenting the lost connection with McKelvey post-college. He shows affection to Myra before setting off for work. As he leaves his home, he grumbles about Myra's aspiration to mingle with "this millionaire outfit." Starting his beloved car, he wishes he could abandon "the whole game." His constant fatigue leaves him unintentionally irritable.

chapter 3

Babbitt views his neighbors, the Doppelbraus, as unconventional while he admires Howard Littlefield, a Ph.D., for his scholarly brilliance. Littlefield convinces Babbitt of the excellence of their industrial and social system using detailed debates based on history and economics. They converse about trivial matters like the weather and the forthcoming presidential elections, with Littlefield expressing a strong preference for a business-oriented administration. Babbitt fills up gas on his way to the office and feels important due to the gas attendant's behaviour. They have a shallow conversation about politics, and Babbitt also expresses his wish for a business-focused government. Offering a ride to a commuter waiting for a streetcar, he expresses his irritation with those who excessively flaunt their charitable deeds. He also criticizes the streetcar service, but soon backtracks, justifying the Traction Company's struggles due to the labor union's demand for increased pay. As Babbitt hurries to his office, he admires the modern and energetic look of Zenith city. He instructs his secretary, Miss McGoun, to write a letter. She reminds him of a fantasy girl but this feeling of longing makes him uncomfortable as he's been always cautious about admiring women other than his wife after marriage.

chapter 4

Babbitt disputes with Chester Kirby Laylock, the Glen Oriole division salesman, about the artistic merit of Laylock's Glen advertisement. Babbitt finds Laylock distastefully feminine and disapproves of his "poetry", wanting something more "forceful" and "dignified." Babbitt crafts an ad for cemetery plots, believing his writing skills superior. Babbitt frequently attempts to stop smoking, creating complex prevention plans, but always fails. He organizes a lunch with Paul Riesling, his college roommate and good friend, whom Babbitt sees as a sort of "younger brother." Babbitt feels Riesling, who joined his father's roofing business after college, would've excelled as a violinist, painter, or writer. Despite Babbitt's prowess with "leases and titles" and exceptional "memory for prices," he lacks understanding of architecture, landscaping, and economics. He's a member of the Booster's Club, often discussing "Ethics," but his understanding of ethics is vague: He dislikes "shysters," yet has no qualms about overpricing a house if the buyer is willing to pay. He doesn't admire unreasonable honesty, but disapproves of lying for profit. He advocates that a realtor should be knowledgeable about his city, yet Babbitt knows little beyond Zenith's real estate market, forming other opinions from the local newspaper and gossip. Half a year ago, Babbitt discovered Archibald Purdy's plans for a butcher shop next to his grocery store. Babbitt promptly suggested to Conrad Lyte, a property speculator, to buy the lot next to Purdy's grocery. When Purdy meets Lyte and Babbitt to negotiate the lot purchase, they charge double its actual worth. Consequently, Lyte scores a nine thousand-dollar profit, and Babbitt gets a commission over four hundred dollars. Purdy will recoup the steep purchase cost by raising his customer prices.

chapter 5

Babbitt gets ready to join Riesling for lunch at the Athletic Club, scolding himself for his smoking habit and wanting to exercise more. Yet he opts to drive the short distance to meet Riesling rather than walk. He views Zenith, a typical Midwestern city, as "individual and stirring." He dreams of owning a Dictaphone and a typewriter with calculating capabilities. He's proud of his expensive attire and car, and he calculates his projected earnings and plans to build a new garage. Before meeting Riesling, he buys a costly electric cigar lighter. The Athletic Club mainly serves as a place for lunch, games, and socializing. Its members despise the Union Club, considering it "snobbish" and "expensive." Yet, no Athletic Club member ever turns down a Union Club membership, and most even terminate their Athletic Club memberships after joining. Babbitt engages in shallow conversation with Gunch, Finkelstein, and Pumphrey, showing off his new lighter and receiving praise for always purchasing top-quality items. Babbitt and Riesling decline a join the "Roughnecks," Babbitt's group of friends, and select a quiet table - a deviation from the Club's usual practice. Babbitt reveals his dissatisfaction despite having a family and successful business. Riesling expresses his unhappiness about being stuck in the roofing business, as he wanted to be a violinist. He also vents about his wife Zilla's abrasive behavior and continuous nagging, wishing he could divorce her. Riesling questions Babbitt's moralizing while Zenith's business world is filled with corruption, leading to a defensive reaction from Babbitt. Riesling believes that the majority of businessmen at the Athletic Club live unfulfilled lives, even if they won't admit it. Babbitt feels a sense of liberation when he agrees with some of Riesling's points. They decide to defy tradition and travel to Maine for their annual vacation before their families.

chapter 6

Following lunch, Babbitt shows a client around a tenement, both men displaying a shared fascination for anything modern and mechanical. Even though Babbitt's knowledge of mechanical jargon is limited, he doesn’t hesitate to sprinkle his conversation with it. Later, Babbitt assists his father-in-law and business associate, Henry T. Thompson, in purchasing a car. The car dealer, Noel Ryland, is a member of the Booster's Club, which helps Babbitt negotiate a good deal. Babbitt perceives Thompson, who hails from the Northeast and never attended college, as overly "old-fashioned" and "provincial". Ryland, on the other hand, is a Princeton graduate and a lover of foreign poetry, representing to Babbitt an instance of "civilization" taken "too far." Stanley Graff, one of Babbitt's salesmen, is getting married and asks for a raise and a bonus. Babbitt rebukes Graff for his apparent lack of appreciation and poor work ethic. However, the reaction of the other staff suggests they believe Graff merits the raise. Babbitt awkwardly tries to lighten the mood before leaving the office with a sense of guilt, which the vibrant, modern look of Floral Heights manages to lift. During dinner, Babbitt mentions he is considering buying a new car. Given that a family's car reflects their societal standing, a lengthy discussion ensues about the most suitable car to buy. The debate escalates into a disagreement, prompting Babbitt to postpone his car purchase until the following year.

chapter 7

Babbitt's living room mirrors the typical Floral Heights decor. The family books gather dust, the fireplace remains untouched, and jazz albums are neglected. Babbitt engrosses himself in evening newspaper comics while Ted complains about his English assignments. Babbitt insists on Ted studying literature for college admission, yet he wishes high schools could teach practical subjects like Business English. Ted expresses his preference for correspondence courses, to which Babbitt remains unsure but recognizes the profitable aspect. However, he asserts that his own college education enabled him to mingle with Zenith's finest and attending a traditional university has more prestige than earning a "degree of Stamp-Licker" from "Bezuzus Mail-order University." Ted concedes but heads out to drive friends to chorus practice. Myra expresses that Babbitt should discuss sex with Ted who's reaching that age. Babbitt hesitates, fearing it could instigate wrong ideas, but resolves to have a "morals" talk with Ted, albeit with no specific timeline. Reflecting on their unfulfilled youthful aspirations, Babbitt and Riesling had dreams beyond settling into business. Babbitt's engagement to Myra was almost unintentional and their marriage lacked passionate love. He contemplates if she is discontent like him and, in a rare moment, affectionately smooths Myra's hair. Simultaneously, Horace Updike attempts to sway Lucile McKelvey, a drug dealer kills a prostitute, two scientists research synthetic rubber, and union heads consider a strike. A Civil War veteran passes away while a tractor plant operates overnight. Mike Monday, a former boxer turned preacher, completes a revival. Seneca Doane appreciates Zenith's grandeur while Dr. Kurt Yavitch criticizes Zenith for standardizing life's beauty. Jake Offutt and Henry T. Thompson plan a deceitful deal involving Babbitt. Exhausted, Babbitt falls into a dream about his fairy girl.

chapter 8

During that lively spring, Babbitt and Myra host a feast for the "keenest intellects" in Zenith. Babbitt procures gin from the grumpy owner of an illicit liquor store, Healey Hanson. Upon revealing the cocktails, everyone heartily cheers. Under the influence, Babbitt sees his guests as delightful companions. The conversation centers around the idea that while Prohibition suits the lower classes, it infringes on the personal freedoms of men of their status.

chapter 9

Once the buoyant effects of the cocktails subside, Babbitt privately acknowledges his boredom and desire to escape to Maine. As guests engage in a game of bridge and attempt a séance to contact Dante, Babbitt's lack of enthusiasm doesn't go unnoticed by his wife, Myra. Despite his attempts to hide it, he confesses his fatigue and his wish to journey to Maine a week ahead of the family. Although initially hurt, Myra comprehends her husband's need for solitude when she sees his distress. She proposes he bring Riesling along for company.

chapter 10

Babbitt and Myra tour the fashionable apartment of Riesling and Zilla. Myra's proposal for Riesling to accompany Babbitt to Maine early leads to Zilla accusing Riesling of infidelity. A heated argument breaks out, with Babbitt defending Riesling and condemning Zilla for her relentless nagging. Zilla, reduced to tears, concedes Babbitt's point, acknowledging she enjoys the drama. Babbitt offers her forgiveness and Zilla consents to Riesling's early departure for Maine. Afterward, Myra chides Babbitt for his harshness, pointing out Zilla's loneliness and resulting frustrations. While Babbitt admits Myra is correct, he is relieved that Riesling will join him in Maine earlier than planned.

chapter 11

During a train ride to New York, traveling businessmen, including Babbitt, discuss Prohibition and business news. They express dissatisfaction with the porter's attitude and exhibit contentment over new immigration laws to limit the "foreigners." Riesling, upset with the conversation, leaves, but Babbitt remains. In New York, Riesling shares with Babbitt his longstanding dream of studying violin in Europe and asks to view the ocean liners. Viewing the ships, however, distresses Riesling and he requests to leave, leaving Babbitt perplexed. Their spirits revive while fishing and playing poker late into the night in Maine. Their families soon join them and Myra requests that they behave as though the women weren't present. This results in the cessation of their poker games. Despite this, Babbitt returns refreshed from the trip, determined to make changes in the upcoming year and anticipating his possible election as president of the Real Estate Board.

chapter 12

Babbitt's arrival back in Zenith is marked by another failed endeavor to kick his smoking habit and instill an interest in attending baseball games. Nonetheless, he manages to participate in a weekly golf game and accompanies his spouse and Tinka to the cinema on a weekly basis.

chapter 13

Babbitt gets chosen as a delegate for the yearly gathering of the State Association of Real Estate Boards. He's then requested by Cecil Rountree, the convention's program-committee leader, to prepare a paper on his real estate perspectives for the event. Initially, Babbitt struggles with the writing due to worries about "Style, Order, and other mysteries," but he manages to create a succinct, clear explanation of his understanding of the real estate industry. At the convention, Babbitt presents his paper and is immediately considered on par with Rountree, a recognized "diplomat of business." Reveling in the newfound recognition, Babbitt opts to extend his stay. He spends time drinking, smoking, attending a risqué performance, and visiting a brothel alongside some other delegates. He keeps the night's escapades to himself. Upon returning to Zenith, life continues as usual.

chapter 14

Warren G. Harding secures the presidency, however, Zenith is more engrossed in its local mayoral election. Seneca Doane, an attorney representing labor rights, competes against Lucas Prout, a traditionalist mattress manufacturer. Babbitt becomes known for his public speaking skills by advocating for Prout. His daughter, Verona, questions him about the certain failure of socialism, but Babbitt claims he's too tired to dissect these complex issues. Prout comes out victorious over Doane, and Babbitt's zealous involvement in the campaign is rewarded with confidential information regarding the "extension of paved highways." Babbitt gives a speech hailing Zenith as "the finest example of American life and prosperity" at the Zenith Real Estate Board's Annual Address. Vergil Gunch points out that Babbitt's speeches often make it into the local newspaper, leading Babbitt to reflect on why he had ever been unhappy with his existence.

chapter 15

Babbitt is excluded from the Tonawanda Country Club and the Union Club, which fuels his desire for social acceptance, largely hinging on his college reunion at the Union Club. He tries to build a connection with Charles McKelvey, even inviting him and his spouse for supper. McKelvey only accepts after Babbitt proposes to share exclusive real estate tips. The dinner, however, ends up a disaster, with the McKelveys making an early exit. Myra, stricken with sorrow, weeps until she falls asleep, and no dinner invitation is reciprocated by the McKelveys. Ed Overbrook, an old college friend of Babbitt's deemed a "failure," is eager to rekindle their friendship and extends an invitation for dinner to Babbitt and his wife Myra. Similar to the McKelveys, the Babbitts reluctantly agree to join. However, the event turns out to be as disappointing as the previous one, leading to an early exit and no return invite from the Babbitts. Attempting to ease his social disappointments, Babbitt immerses himself into his club meetings. These clubs hold significant value in the Zenith society, offering men a refuge from domestic issues and opportunities to mingle with fellow businessmen. Babbitt also dedicates his Sunday nights to Riesling. When the Rieslings come over, even Zilla remains quiet, letting Riesling express his emotions through his violin.

chapter 16

Babbitt, Chum Frink, and William Eathorne are invited by Reverend John Jennison Drew, their church's pastor, for a discussion on the enhancement of the Sunday School. Babbitt agrees to assist Drew with enthusiasm. Despite finding the Sunday School sessions as monotonous as those from his past, Babbitt's curiosity in the undertaking is ignited by the flourishing Sunday School journals, written in a business-oriented tone.

chapter 17

During a gathering held at Eathorne's residence, Babbitt, mindful of Eathorne's societal standing, tones down his informal humor. He proposes the idea of encouraging Sunday School attendance by rewarding children who bring in new students with cash or other prizes. He also recommends hiring a publicity representative to promote the Sunday School and suggests structuring it into age-specific groups with children obtaining military ranks based on their recruitment success. Eathorne endorses Babbitt's proposals, much to Babbitt's satisfaction. Babbitt employs Kenneth Escott, a local newspaper reporter, to act as the Sunday School's publicity representative. Their combined efforts result in the Sunday School gaining the second highest attendance in Zenith. Escott and Verona start developing a mutual interest and engage in intellectual discussions. Babbitt's effective contribution to the Sunday School's mission boosts his reputation in the church. He successfully organizes a dinner involving Eathorne, who later supports him financially in a dubious business venture, leading to mutual gains.

chapter 18

Babbitt has concerns about his son, Ted's poor performance in school and his growing interest in Eunice Littlefield, a girl fascinated by cinema. Unlike this, Babbitt enjoys watching the rapport between Verona and Escott, hoping they might start dating. Ted, focusing more on girls and car mechanics than Babbitt's wish for him to attend law school, even manages to assemble and sell a car for profit. Ted hosts a party that leaves Babbitt upset when he finds the young attendees smoking, drinking, and exhibiting relaxed attitudes about gender interactions than his generation did. Howard Littlefield, upon witnessing Eunice and Ted's intimate dance, removes Eunice forcefully, leading to a strain in the relations between Littlefields and Babbitts. The party becomes a topic of a heated argument among the Babbitts. Pressure at home mounts for Babbitt when his mother and half-brother Martin's family visit, not comprehending his urban lifestyle. Further, Myra's parents shift to a hotel, necessitating bi-weekly dinners with them. A bout of illness in February offers Babbitt some respite from his family's constant demands. He then has an epiphany about his life being "incredibly mechanical", causing him to dread going back to work.

chapter 19

Babbitt uses confidential information from Prout to extract a hefty price from the Street Traction Company for land needed for repair shops. Despite objections from the company's top officials, a mutually beneficial agreement is struck, landing Babbitt a neat profit of three thousand dollars. Graff, one of Babbitt's employees, faces several complaints about dishonesty from clients. Disturbed by having an untrustworthy employee, Babbitt reprimands Graff before letting him go. Graff retaliates by calling out Babbitt's double standards and threatens to leak Babbitt's under-the-table deals if he faces any hurdles in securing employment elsewhere. Babbitt takes his son, Ted, to Chicago for a brief business trip. They share lively discussions about Verona and Escott's slow-moving romance, but Babbitt feels a pang of loneliness when Ted heads back to Zenith for school. He coincidentally meets Sir Gerald Doak, who shares Babbitt's feelings of ennui. Initially daunted by Doak's aristocratic status, Babbitt soon realizes their commonalities. They watch a movie and indulge in a night of drinking in Doak's hotel room. Babbitt's jovial mood is shattered when he unexpectedly sees Riesling, who was supposed to be in Akron, dining with an unfamiliar woman, May Arnold. Riesling tries to discourage Babbitt from meeting him later, but a persistent Babbitt waits in Riesling's hotel room. He wrestles with an unfounded fear that Riesling might have taken his own life, but is relieved to find the room empty.

chapter 20

Riesling arrives back at his hotel room three hours later, only to face Babbitt's disapproval over his extramarital affair due to its potential impact on his social reputation in Zenith. Despite Riesling's justification that his unhappiness with Zilla led him to find comfort in another woman, Babbitt isn't convinced. He stops at Akron to send a postcard to Zilla, claiming he met Riesling there, in an attempt to support his false story. Upon returning to Zenith, he meets Zilla and continues his fabrications, but she remains suspicious about Riesling's infidelity. Babbitt tries to defend his friend and persuade Zilla to treat him more kindly. Even though Zilla starts behaving better, Riesling admits to Babbitt that her efforts are futile, as his feelings have already changed.

chapter 21

Babbitt secures the position of vice president at the Booster's club. Back in his office, basking in the glory of his recent achievement, Miss McGoun tells him about Myra's attempts to reach him. On making contact, Myra reveals that Riesling has been taken into custody for allegedly shooting Zilla, who is in a critical condition.

chapter 22

Despite Riesling's initial refusal, Babbitt manages to secure a visit to him in prison, thanks to Prout's intervention. Riesling admits he lost control due to Zilla's relentless criticism, yet prevents Babbitt from pointing fingers at her. Babbitt, back at his residence, discourages his kinfolk from bringing up the topic. His comrades at the Athletic Club, in a display of sensitivity, avoid discussing the issue in his presence. Babbitt considers committing perjury to rescue Riesling, but his legal advisor dissuades him. Zilla recuperates from her injuries and Riesling accepts his guilt. Post his sentencing to a three-year term in the State Penitentiary, Babbitt is engulfed with a sense of the world being "meaningless."

chapter 23

Babbitt submerges himself in work to distract from thoughts of Riesling. With Tinka and Myra away, he wallows in lonely desolation. Distractions from friends, films or Verona's literature prove futile. He comes across a highly intoxicated Chum Frink, who grumbles about his unsatisfactory poetry career. In a moment of introspection in his home, Babbitt yearns for his dream girl in reality. He attempts to charm Miss McGoun but gets rejected. Undeterred, he tries the same with Louetta Swanson, only to face another rejection.

chapter 24

During Babbitt's prison visit to Riesling, he is disheartened by the expressionless and pallid look on Riesling's face. He feels as if Riesling is "already dead" in this "place of death." Babbitt heads back to Zenith, unfulfilled and discontented with his life. Upon meeting the charming widow, Tanis Judique, at his office, he personally shows her an apartment. They engage in playful banter during the process, but Babbitt lacks the boldness for a stronger approach. Later, he chats up a young manicurist, Ida Putiak, at a barbershop and invites her for dinner. The evening does not culminate in a scandalous affair, leaving Babbitt feeling foolish.

chapter 25

Babbitt's daydreams about an imaginary girl continue. Upon the return of his wife Myra and daughter Tinka, the strain of pretending to be content takes a toll. He lies to Myra, claiming a business trip to New York is necessary, but he flees to Maine instead. His efforts to build a connection with Joe Paradise, a local woodsman and guide, fail. The thought of leaving his family and opting for a solitary life in the wild crosses his mind, yet his journey back to Zenith leaves him more unsettled than before.

chapter 26

During his train journey back to Zenith, Babbitt bumps into Seneca Doane. Since Babbitt doesn't recognize anyone else on the train, he and Doane start talking. Doane makes it clear he has no hard feelings towards Babbitt about the mayoral contest. He recalls how their political views were reversed back in their university days - Babbitt was the liberal one and Doane, the conservative. Babbitt goes to see Zilla in Zenith, hoping to convince her to ask the governor to pardon Riesling. A now slimmer Zilla, with a partially paralyzed shoulder due to the gunshot wound, has turned to religion, but continues to harbor resentment towards her husband. She believes his actions were wicked and merited punishment. Babbitt startles his friends at the Athletic Club by standing up for Doane. Escott and Verona decide to get engaged. Escott finds employment with a commission house, a sector he once criticized in his writings. Ted enters State University, but his focus leans towards joining fraternities and participating in sports, rather than focusing on his studies. When Ted asks to switch to the School of Engineering, Babbitt declines the request.

chapter 27

The peaceful commercial life of Zenith is disrupted by a wave of strikes. When the possibility of a major strike looms, the National Guard intervenes. Babbitt, who used to be an outspoken adversary of labor unions, is troubled upon discovering workers' grievances about insufficient wages for basic necessities like food. Reverend Drew condemns the strikers in a sermon, but Babbitt labels it pure "rot," surprising Chum Frink. Babbitt's disapproval of the National Guard's harsh approach towards the strikers further unsettles his friends. The strike is swiftly suppressed, yet Babbitt finds his friends treating him more distantly and formally.

chapter 28

When Tanis has a plumbing issue in her flat, Babbitt quickly goes over to check it out. Before he knows it, he's spent the whole night there, chatting, smoking, and sipping tea. He covers his absence to his wife Myra by saying he's tied up with work. As he keeps seeing Tanis covertly, Babbitt starts openly sharing his progressive views, raising eyebrows and suspicion among his buddies. He worries that Myra might be onto his secret relationship due to his growing inattentiveness towards her. However, Myra's sister falls sick and she has to leave town for a few weeks, giving Babbitt a temporary reprieve.

chapter 29

Babbitt becomes deeply involved in Tanis' unique social circle. His life starts revolving around numerous gatherings and excursions, accompanied by heavy drinking which results in frequent hangovers. Despite repeated attempts to break away from this unconventional lifestyle, he is drawn back into it everyday by Tanis and her friends. He even attends one of the Doppelbraus' parties, whom he previously looked down upon, and flirts successfully with Louetta. Upon spotting Babbitt driving under the influence alongside Tanis and her friends, Pumphrey starts worrying about his reputation. Following another incident when Gunch sees Babbitt lunching with Tanis in public, Gunch invites Babbitt to become a member of a new club, the Good Citizens League. He mentions that he was never convinced about Babbitt's newfound liberal views. Babbitt, however, only says he will think about the invitation. Startled that he might have crossed a line with his rebellious behavior, Babbitt attempts, and fails, to stay away from Tanis that evening.

chapter 30

Upon Myra's arrival back to Zenith, Babbitt tries to play the role of a dutiful husband, but he can't seem to escape Tanis' allure. Myra voices her displeasure about his frequent night outings, to which Babbitt retorts with grumbles about his monotonous existence. She fires back, admitting her own unhappiness, and urges him to join a lecture by the American New Thought League. Myra finds pleasure in the lecture, while Babbitt deems it confusing and dull. This discord leads to a heated dispute, further straining their relationship.

chapter 31

Babbitt finds himself consumed by guilt as he thinks of how poorly he treated Myra, despite her good qualities. He makes a point of avoiding Tanis for a few days, but she manages to reach out to him by phone and letter. When he goes to see her, his initial joy at seeing her quickly turns to surprise. He sees her not as a young and attractive woman but as a middle-aged lady attempting to appear much younger than her true age. Overwhelmed by guilt and embarrassment, Babbitt decides to end their affair.

chapter 32

Babbitt confesses his infidelity to Myra, who surprisingly accepts blame and promptly apologizes. At a subsequent Booster's Club gathering, Babbitt openly disagrees with a xenophobic speech, earning him disapproval from his peers. The next day, influential figures Charles McKelvey, Dr. Dilling, and Colonel Rutherford Snow insist that Babbitt join the Good Citizen's League. Babbitt resists their pressure, not comprehending the repercussions of his defiance. When his comrades begin to ignore him, Babbitt recognizes the impact of his defiance. His anxiety escalates when the Traction Street Company excludes his firm from a shady deal in favor of a competitor. Further, his secretary Miss McGoun resigns and joins his competitor. Looking for solace, Babbitt reaches out to Tanis, who responds with aloofness. Only his son Ted and Eunice provide him with encouragement to resist conformism. Despite their support, Babbitt longs for acceptance and wishes to be reconsidered for the Good Citizen's League.

chapter 33

Babbitt's unease intensifies when he hears Myra moaning in pain. She tries to downplay it, but her continuous complaints about abdominal pain worry Babbitt. He urgently calls a doctor who suspects Myra has appendicitis. As he stays by her side all night, Babbitt introspects about his life choices. In the morning, Dr. Dilling confirms the diagnosis and suggests immediate surgery, fearing the onset of peritonitis. Babbitt, now a concerned husband, accompanies Myra to the hospital. His guilt escalates when Myra expresses the belief that her death might be preferable as she feels unwanted. Post-surgery, Myra stays in the hospital for over two weeks. The shared experience brings the couple closer. During this period, Babbitt's friends provide moral support. When Gunch gives Babbitt another opportunity to join the Good Citizen's League, he eagerly accepts. Babbitt quickly reverts to his old ways, denouncing liberal views and becoming a strong critic of Doane.

chapter 34

Babbitt successfully restores his societal reputation, but experiences discomfort around Reverend Drew, leading him to abandon the Good Citizen's League for the familiar Booster's Club. Verona and Escott get married, and the corrupt Traction Street Company starts involving Babbitt's firm in its dishonest dealings. Despite Babbitt's aspirations for an honest business, the pervasive corruption in Zenith's business community discourages him. Ted and Eunice elope, causing a commotion among both their families, including the Littlefields, Myra, Verona, Escott, and Thompson. Babbitt and Ted have a private conversation in the dining room, during which Ted reveals his preference for mechanical work over college. Babbitt admits his own dissatisfaction with life, and encourages Ted to follow his own path. Father and son then reenter the dining room, ready to confront their family's disapproval.

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