# V explained — Babbitt

> Chapter companion for Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis.

## What happens

Babbitt stands at his bedroom window, gazing at the Second National Tower in the distance. The sight of the skyscraper inspires in him a renewed reverence for the city and the religion of business, soothing his nervousness and lifting his spirits as he heads down to breakfast.

## Themes in this chapter

### Business and American Capitalism

Babbitt views the Second National Tower as a 'temple-spire of the religion of business,' showing his deep reverence for commercial success and the capitalist ethos.

## Character check-ins

### George F. Babbitt

Stands at the window, gazing at the Second National Tower and feeling inspired by the city.

### Myra Babbitt

Mentioned as his wife, whom he follows after his moment at the window.

## Key lines

> Integrity was in the tower, and decision. It bore its strength lightly as a tall soldier.

The tower embodied honesty and resolve, carrying its power with the ease of a tall soldier.

_Babbitt personifies the skyscraper as a symbol of moral and commercial strength._

> He beheld the tower as a temple-spire of the religion of business, a faith passionate, exalted, surpassing common men; and as he clumped down to breakfast he whistled the ballad 'Oh, by gee, by gosh, by jingo' as though it were a hymn melancholy and noble.

He saw the tower as a sacred monument to commerce, a faith that transcended ordinary life, and he descended to breakfast whistling a popular tune with the solemnity of a hymn.

_Highlights Babbitt's quasi-religious devotion to business and his emotional connection to the city._

## Links

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