# Chapter XX explained — Babbitt

> Chapter companion for Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis.

## What happens

Babbitt confronts Paul Riesling in Chicago about his affair with May Arnold, while also attempting to mediate between Paul and his wife Zilla. The chapter explores the strain in the Riesling marriage and Babbitt's conflicted loyalty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Midlife Crisis and Disillusionment

Paul Riesling's despair and affair reflect a midlife crisis, as he feels trapped in a loveless marriage and seeks meaning outside it.

### Gender Roles and Marriage

The chapter highlights the destructive dynamics of the Riesling marriage, with Zilla's nagging and Paul's silent resentment challenging traditional gender expectations.

### Hypocrisy and Social Pretense

Babbitt lectures Paul on morality while planning to lie to Zilla, exposing the hypocrisy of upholding social appearances.

## Character check-ins

### George F. Babbitt

Visits Zilla Riesling to borrow a thermos and later confronts Paul in Chicago, attempting to mediate the Rieslings' marital conflict.

### Zilla Riesling

Appears disheveled and bitter, accusing Paul of infidelity and lamenting their strained marriage.

### Paul Riesling

Returns from Akron, admits to an affair with May Arnold, and expresses despair over his marriage to Zilla.

### Myra Babbitt

Mentioned briefly as Babbitt's wife and as a point of comparison in his moralizing.

### May Arnold

Referred to as the woman Paul is involved with; described as a widow who understands him.

## Key lines

> I simply can't understand why it is that the more some folks love people, the harder they try to make 'em miserable.

Babbitt expresses confusion about how love can lead to cruelty.

_Reflects Babbitt's observation of the Riesling marriage._

> There's nothing left. I don't ever want to see her. Some day I'm going to break away from her. Somehow.

Paul declares his marriage is beyond repair and he plans to leave Zilla.

_Paul's despair and determination to escape his marriage._

> I am, by God! I've never looked at any woman except Myra since I've been married—practically—and I never will!

Babbitt insists on his own marital fidelity, though with a slight hedge.

_Babbitt's self-righteous moral stance, tinged with irony._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/babbitt_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/babbitt_se/chapters