# VII explained — Babbitt

> Chapter companion for Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis.

## What happens

At the final session of the state real estate convention, delegations from various cities compete to host the next year's convention. The Zenith delegation, led by Warren Whitby and featuring Babbitt as a clown beating a bass drum, stages a circus parade to promote their city. After a series of bids, the convention accepts Sparta's offer of eight thousand dollars for entertainment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Business and American Capitalism

The convention's competitive bidding process and the use of money as a decisive factor reflect the capitalist ethos of boosterism and commercial rivalry.

## Character check-ins

### George F. Babbitt

Participates in the Zenith delegation's circus parade as a clown, beating a bass drum and appearing extraordinarily happy and noisy.

## Key lines

> It was the last meeting. The delegations were presenting the claims of their several cities to the next year’s convention.

The final session of the convention featured delegations from various cities arguing why they should host the next one.

_Sets the scene for the competitive bidding among cities._

> At the head was big Warren Whitby, in the bearskin and gold-and-crimson coat of a drum-major. Behind him, as a clown, beating a bass drum, extraordinarily happy and noisy, was Babbitt.

Warren Whitby led the Zenith parade as a drum-major, followed by Babbitt dressed as a clown, enthusiastically playing the bass drum.

_Highlights Babbitt's role in the promotional stunt._

> A clerical-looking man rose to clamor, 'Money talks! Move we accept the bid from Sparta!' It was accepted.

A man who looked like a clergyman stood up and shouted that money was decisive, proposing to accept Sparta's bid, which was then approved.

_Emphasizes the power of financial incentives in the decision._

## Links

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