Babbitt · Chapter
VI explained
The chapter juxtaposes a cynical political conspiracy involving Jake Offutt and Henry T.
What happens
The chapter juxtaposes a cynical political conspiracy involving Jake Offutt and Henry T. Thompson against the vast, sleeping populace of Zenith, including a tragic suicide and a poet's trivial pursuits, before returning to George F. Babbitt's restless sleep and a dream of escape and romance.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Social Pretense
Jake Offutt openly admits to using Babbitt's patriotic image to mask their corrupt dealings, highlighting the gap between public respectability and private greed.
Business and American Capitalism
The Traction gang's exploitation of the city for profit, with Offutt's cynical view of milking the public, reflects the dark side of capitalist enterprise.
Rebellion and Conformity
Seneca Doane's opposition to the political machine represents rebellion, while Babbitt's dream of escape suggests a subconscious desire to break free from conformity.
Characters to notice
- Jake Offutt
Politician conspiring with Henry T. Thompson to use Babbitt's patriotism for their own gain, expressing desire to run Seneca Doane out of town.
- Henry T. Thompson
Babbitt's father-in-law, in conference with Jake Offutt, discussing how to exploit Babbitt for their political and financial schemes.
- George F. Babbitt
Referenced as the 'fool son-in-law' and 'good little boy' by Offutt; later shown turning in bed and entering a dream of escape and romance.
- Seneca Doane
Mentioned as a 'squealer' and target of Offutt's desire to run him out of town.
- Lloyd Mallam
Poet and owner of the Hafiz Book Shop, finishing a rondeau about medieval Florence, contrasting with the grim realities of Zenith.
Key passages
“The thing to do is to get your fool son-in-law, Babbitt, to put it over. He’s one of these patriotic guys. When he grabs a piece of property for the gang, he makes it look like we were dyin’ of love for the dear peepul, and I do love to buy respectability—reasonable.”
Jake Offutt suggests using Babbitt's patriotic reputation to make their corrupt property deals appear altruistic, valuing the respectability Babbitt lends to their schemes.
Reveals Offutt's manipulative strategy and Babbitt's unwitting role as a front for corruption.
“I wonder when—Hank, I wish we could fix some way to run this fellow Seneca Doane out of town. It’s him or us!”
Offutt expresses a desire to eliminate Seneca Doane, viewing him as a direct threat to their political and financial interests.
Highlights the antagonism between progressive reformers and the corrupt political establishment.
“In the slum beyond the railroad tracks, a young man who for six months had sought work turned on the gas and killed himself and his wife.”
A desperate, unemployed young man commits suicide along with his wife, illustrating the tragic consequences of economic hardship.
Contrasts the political scheming with the grim reality of poverty and despair in Zenith.
“He was gallant and wise and well-beloved; warm ivory were her arms; and beyond perilous moors the brave sea glittered.”
In his dream, Babbitt imagines himself as heroic and loved, with a romantic figure and a vision of an adventurous, beautiful landscape.
Reveals Babbitt's deep longing for escape, romance, and a more meaningful life beyond his mundane reality.