The flavor of America during the economic boom of the 1920's is captured within the setting of Sinclair Lewis's Babbitt. The initial view of Zenith, an American Midwestern city, is one of prosperity and newness. It is a city that is fully worthy of its name, which means "highest point." It epitomizes twentieth century industrialized America with its modern conveniences, manufacturing plants, progression for science and engineering, and success-hungry Americans. Zenith worships the false gods of the business world: its automobiles, factories, and modern skyline. Lewis exemplifies this premise through the protagonist, George Babbitt, "That's one lovely sight!" but he was inspired by the rhythm of the city beheld the tower as a temple-spire of the religion of business, a faith passionate, exalted, surpassing common man" (p.13). As Lewis takes the reader inside the middle-class Zenith residence of realtor, George Babbitt, it becomes apparent that a life fraught with discontentment exists within this sleek modern appearance. A close look reveals a depressing sameness and a demoralizing competition for social status. Without question, the city of Zenith is filled with flaws, and its inhabitants adhere to a moral and value system, which is full of holes.
The most blatant of Zenith's flaws is the mirror-like similarity, which exists throughout. Downtown Zenith is no different than any other downtown in America, and though Babbitt's living room, "observed the best Floral Heights standards," it mirrored every other living room in Floral Heights: "Two out of every three houses in Floral Heights had before the fireplace a davenport, a mahogany table real or imitation, and a piano-lamp or a reading-lamp with a shade of yellow or rose silk" (p. 93). This not only symbolizes a homogeny of opinion, but also makes a definite statement that anyone who challenges the societal norm by daring to think or speak differently will be perceived as a threat; this is further supported by George's declaration, "But suppose that secretly-After all, you never could tell about these darn highbrows; and to be an out-and-out spiritualist would be almost like being a socialist" (p.
