Who George F. Babbitt is
George F. Babbitt is forty-six and takes pride in his house, car and standing in Zenith. He sells land and houses through Babbitt and Thompson, alongside his father-in-law, Henry Thompson. He considers himself honest, yet stretches the truth in advertisements and excuses it as ordinary business.
What George F. Babbitt wants
Babbitt wants to be liked and recognized as a successful man. His clubs and neighbors reinforce his belief that possessions and shared opinions prove a person's worth. Beneath this confidence, he feels a longing for something freer that he cannot clearly name.
George F. Babbitt and the others in the story
His wife, Myra Babbitt, cares for his comfort, while their marriage runs mostly on habit. He lectures his children, but Ted's resistance to school challenges his certainty about their futures. With Paul Riesling, his friend since college, he can put aside the public boasting and speak honestly.
How George F. Babbitt changes
In the woods of Maine, Babbitt fishes and walks with Paul, enjoying a rare feeling of freedom. Away from Zenith, he begins to see how much noise and routine fill his days. He returns with thoughts he struggles to express, while the city's familiar pressures feel stronger.
Questions
Who is George F. Babbitt?
He is the prosperous real estate broker at the center of Babbitt, living and working in the fictional city of Zenith.
What does George F. Babbitt want?
He wants social approval and business success, yet also feels an uncertain desire to escape his routine.
Is George F. Babbitt a bad person?
He is not simply bad: he shows kindness and affection, but also vanity, prejudice and questionable business habits.