Babbitt Summary

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.