Babbitt · Chapter
Chapter XVI explained
Babbitt, feeling guilty after being snubbed by the McKelveys, throws himself into civic and religious activities, particularly his work for the Sunday School Advisory Committee.
What happens
Babbitt, feeling guilty after being snubbed by the McKelveys, throws himself into civic and religious activities, particularly his work for the Sunday School Advisory Committee. He explores Sunday School journals, finding them practical and businesslike, and reconsiders his own religious beliefs. He attends various classes, finding some inspiring but others dull and uncomfortable, and reflects on his boyhood Sunday School experiences.
Themes in this chapter
Religion as Social Institution
Babbitt views Sunday School and church as tools for social respectability and business benefit, not spiritual depth.
Conformity and Materialism
Babbitt joins lodges and church committees to conform to societal expectations and advance his business interests.
Hypocrisy and Social Pretense
Babbitt's discomfort with Sheldon Smeeth's class and his own superficial theology highlight the gap between public piety and private doubt.
Characters to notice
- George F. Babbitt
Babbitt immerses himself in Sunday School journals and committee work, seeking purification and publicity after social rejection.
- Paul Riesling
Paul provides Babbitt with a respite from maturity through golf, motoring, and violin playing.
- Zilla Riesling
Zilla is silent during Paul's violin playing, allowing a moment of peace.
- Theodore Roosevelt Babbitt
Babbitt explains his liberal theology to Ted, discussing Heaven and Hell.
- Rev. Dr. John Jennison Drew
Dr. Drew is the eloquent and efficient pastor of the Chatham Road Presbyterian Church, known for his businesslike approach to religion.
- Sheldon Smeeth
Smeeth leads a junior class with a 'Heart to Heart Talk Evening,' making Babbitt uncomfortable.
Key passages
“The moral springs of the community's life lie deep in its Sunday Schools—its schools of religious instruction and inspiration. Neglect now means loss of spiritual vigor and moral power in years to come.”
The community's moral foundation depends on Sunday Schools; neglecting them will weaken future spiritual and moral strength.
Babbitt is moved by this rubric from a Sunday School journal, reflecting his pragmatic view of religion.
“If you have a Sunday School class without any pep and getup-and-go in it, that is, without interest, that is uncertain in attendance, that acts like a fellow with the spring fever, let old Dr. Ridgway write you a prescription. Rx. Invite the Bunch for Supper.”
For a sluggish Sunday School class, Dr. Ridgway's remedy is to invite the students for a supper gathering.
Babbitt appreciates the practical, businesslike advice from the Sunday School Times.
“The more manly and practical a fellow is, the more he ought to lead the enterprising Christian life. Me for it! Cut out this carelessness and boozing and—Rone! Where the devil you been? This is a fine time o' night to be coming in!”
A truly manly and practical person should embrace an enterprising Christian life, so Babbitt resolves to reform his careless habits.
Babbitt's internal monologue reveals his attempt to reconcile his lifestyle with his new religious fervor.