Babbitt · Chapter
Chapter XXI explained
Babbitt attends the Zenith Boosters' Club lunch, where he is elected vice-president.
What happens
Babbitt attends the Zenith Boosters' Club lunch, where he is elected vice-president. The meeting includes boosterism, a speech by Chum Frink advocating for a symphony orchestra as a form of cultural advertising, and the election of officers. Babbitt's triumph is shattered when he learns that Paul Riesling has shot his wife Zilla.
Themes in this chapter
Business and American Capitalism
The Boosters' Club meeting emphasizes business networking, advertising, and the commodification of culture for economic gain.
Hypocrisy and Social Pretense
The club's focus on 'service' and 'good citizenship' masks its primary goal of promoting business interests and social status.
Characters to notice
- George F. Babbitt
Attends the Boosters' Club lunch, is elected vice-president, and later learns of Paul Riesling's crime.
- Virgil Gunch
Retiring president of the Boosters' Club, chairs the meeting and announces Babbitt's election.
- Chum Frink
Gives a speech advocating for a symphony orchestra as a means of cultural advertising for Zenith.
- Paul Riesling
Mentioned at the end of the chapter; has shot his wife Zilla and is in jail.
- Myra Babbitt
Calls Babbitt to inform him of Paul Riesling's arrest.
Key passages
“There's no rule that you have to trade with your Fellow Boosters, but get wise, boy—what's the use of letting all this good money get outside of our happy fambly?”
There is no requirement to do business with other club members, but it is foolish to spend money outside the group.
Reflects the club's underlying pressure to support fellow members economically.
“Culture has become as necessary an adornment and advertisement for a city today as pavements or bank-clearances.”
Cultural institutions are now as essential for a city's image and promotion as infrastructure and financial stability.
Chum Frink's argument for the symphony orchestra as a marketing tool.