Babbitt · Chapter
Chapter IV explained
Babbitt engages in a day of real estate work, showcasing his professional rhetoric and superficial knowledge of the city.
What happens
Babbitt engages in a day of real estate work, showcasing his professional rhetoric and superficial knowledge of the city. He dismisses Chet Laylock's poetic advertisement idea, writes a cemetery ad, struggles with quitting smoking, and successfully pressures grocer Archibald Purdy into buying a lot at an inflated price for client Conrad Lyte, earning a substantial commission.
Themes in this chapter
Business and American Capitalism
Babbitt's real estate tactics, including inflating prices and using pressure, exemplify capitalist opportunism.
Hypocrisy and Social Pretense
Babbitt's public rhetoric about civic knowledge contrasts with his ignorance of city conditions.
Characters to notice
- George F. Babbitt
Demonstrates his real estate philosophy, writes advertisements, negotiates with Purdy, and attempts to quit smoking.
- Chester Kirby Laylock
Submits a poetic advertisement for Glen Oriole, which Babbitt dismisses.
- Conrad Lyte
Client who profits from Babbitt's negotiation with Purdy over a lot.
- Archibald Purdy
Grocer pressured by Babbitt into buying a lot at an inflated price.
- Stanley Graff
Employee to whom Babbitt complains about Laylock.
- Theresa McGoun
Typed the agreement for Purdy's purchase.
Key passages
“he didn’t jew you down on the asking-price.”
he didn't haggle over the price.
Reflects period-typical antisemitic phrasing used to describe bargaining.
“It is at once the duty and the privilege of the realtor to know everything about his own city and its environs.”
A realtor's duty and privilege is to know everything about his city and surroundings.
Babbitt's professional mantra, undercut by his actual ignorance.
“We seek him here, we seek him there, Wherever you may roam, You just provide the little bride And we’ll provide the home.”
We search everywhere for you; just bring the bride and we'll supply the home.
Chet Laylock's proposed poetic advertisement for Glen Oriole.
“Do You Respect Your Loved Ones? When the last sad rites of bereavement are over, do you know for certain that you have done your best for the Departed?”
Do you honor your loved ones? After the funeral, are you sure you've done your best for them?
Babbitt's advertisement for Cemetery Beautiful, appealing to guilt and respect.
“I guess that’ll show Chan Mott and his weedy old Wildwood Cemetery something about modern merchandizing!”
That will teach Chan Mott and his outdated Wildwood Cemetery about modern marketing.
Babbitt's competitive pride in his advertising approach.
“Well, Brother Purdy, we been having some pretty tempting offers from butchers and a slew of other folks for that lot next to your store, but I persuaded Brother Lyte that we ought to give you a shot at the property first.”
We've had many offers for that lot, but I convinced Lyte to let you have first chance.
Babbitt's manipulative sales tactic to pressure Purdy.
