Babbitt · Chapter
Chapter XXVI explained
Babbitt returns to Zenith after his wilderness retreat, but quickly falls back into his old routines.
What happens
Babbitt returns to Zenith after his wilderness retreat, but quickly falls back into his old routines. He confronts Zilla Riesling, who has become fanatically religious and rejoices in Paul's imprisonment. On a train, Babbitt reconnects with Seneca Doane, a former college classmate turned liberal lawyer, and awkwardly tries to reconcile his own conservatism with Doane's progressive views. At home, he deals with Ted's desire to switch from academic to engineering studies, and learns of Verona's engagement to Kenneth Escott.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Social Pretense
Babbitt claims to be liberal and broad-minded but quickly reverts to conventional prejudices, as when he criticizes Seneca Doane yet later boasts of inspiring him.
Religion as Social Institution
Zilla's fanatical Christianity is portrayed as a tool for self-righteousness and control, contrasting with Babbitt's superficial 'liberal' religiosity.
Generational Conflict
Ted's desire to study engineering instead of liberal arts highlights the clash between his father's conventional aspirations and his own practical, modern interests.
Characters to notice
- George F. Babbitt
Returns from his wilderness retreat and struggles to maintain his new liberal identity, clashing with Zilla and tentatively reconnecting with Seneca Doane.
- Zilla Riesling
Now deeply religious, she delivers a fiery sermon to Babbitt, celebrating Paul's imprisonment as divine punishment.
- Seneca Doane
Babbitt encounters him on a train; Doane is reading 'The Way of All Flesh' and discusses his liberal views, including support for the controversial preacher Beecher Ingram.
- Theodore Roosevelt Babbitt
Now a freshman at the State University, he is more interested in sports and fraternities than academics, and asks to switch to engineering.
- Verona Babbitt
She and Kenneth Escott appear to be engaged; Escott has taken a job at a commission-house.
- Kenneth Escott
After a pure-food crusade, he lands a job at a commission-house and is now engaged to Verona.
Key passages
“Vast is the power of cities to reclaim the wanderer. More than mountains or the shore-devouring sea, a city retains its character, imperturbable, cynical, holding behind apparent changes its essential purpose.”
The city's influence is immense; unlike nature, it stubbornly maintains its true nature despite superficial changes, easily pulling Babbitt back into his old ways.
This passage underscores Babbitt's quick reabsorption into Zenith's conformist culture after his brief rebellion.
“You? Liberal? Why, George Babbitt, you're about as broad-minded and liberal as a razor-blade!”
Zilla mocks Babbitt's claim to liberalism, calling him narrow and sharp-edged rather than open-minded.
This exchange highlights the theme of hypocrisy and Babbitt's self-deception about his own progressiveness.
“I always say a fellow ought to have Vision and Ideals. I guess some of the fellows in my business think I'm pretty visionary, but I just let 'em think what they want to and go right on—same as you do.”
Babbitt tries to align himself with Seneca Doane by claiming he too is a visionary, ignoring the vast difference in their actual beliefs.
This illustrates Babbitt's desperate attempt to reconcile his conservative life with his desire to appear liberal.