# VIII explained — Babbitt

> Chapter companion for Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis.

## What happens

Babbitt attends the state real estate convention, where resolutions are passed mourning deceased realtors and authorizing lobbying funds. He is appointed to the Committee on Torrens Titles, boosting his confidence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Business and American Capitalism

The convention's focus on lobbying for 'sound business' and clearing 'Wheels of Progress' reflects capitalist boosterism.

### Hypocrisy and Social Pretense

The resolution mourning deceased realtors is a hollow, formulaic gesture, masking the convention's real business interests.

## Character check-ins

### George F. Babbitt

Attends the convention, feels pride and excitement upon his committee appointment.

## Key lines

> They said that Whereas Almighty God in his beneficent mercy had seen fit to remove to a sphere of higher usefulness some thirty-six realtors of the state the past year, Therefore it was the sentiment of this convention assembled that they were sorry God had done it, and the secretary should be, and hereby was, instructed to spread these resolutions on the minutes, and to console the bereaved families by sending them each a copy.

The committee declared that since God had taken thirty-six real estate agents to a better place, the convention expressed regret and ordered the secretary to record the resolution and send copies to the grieving families.

_Highlights the empty, ritualistic nature of the resolution._

> He rejoiced, 'I said it was going to be a great year! Georgie, old son, you got big things ahead of you! You’re a natural-born orator and a good mixer and—Zowie!'

Babbitt excitedly told himself that his prediction of a great year was coming true, that he had a bright future as a speaker and socializer.

_Shows Babbitt's inflated self-regard and optimism after his appointment._

## Links

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