In this work the author discusses forms of humour in Sinclair Lewis' novels "Main Street" and "Babbitt" and tries to show his artistic use of humour. The author unveils the reflection of humour as satirical bitterness, ironical incongruity and joking, playful language. Therefore, the author examines contrast as a satirical device, invectives, caricature, parody, mimicry and colloquialism in Lewis’ work.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Contrast as a satirical device
2. Invective
3. Caricature
4. Parody
5. Mimicry
6. Banter, Slang, Colloquialism
7. “Homely Metaphor”
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This essay explores the multifaceted nature of humor and satire in Sinclair Lewis’ novels "Main Street" and "Babbitt". It investigates whether Lewis should primarily be categorized as a humorist or a satirist by analyzing his specific literary techniques and their underlying intent.
- The distinction between humor and satire in Lewis' works.
- Use of irony as a fundamental narrative and stylistic tool.
- Identification of satirical devices such as contrast, invective, and caricature.
- Analysis of parody and mimicry in social commentary.
- Examination of the authorial tone and the role of the implied reader.
Excerpt from the Book
3. Caricature
Webster gives the following definition of caricature, ‘a picture or other figure or description in which the peculiarities of a person or thing are so exaggerated as to appear grotesque or ridiculous’.15 Yoshida explains that “a type is a product of exaggeration, and exaggeration is a method of satire. In addition a type victimized by satire becomes a ruthless description of a helpless caricature”.16
The best example of a caricature is of course Babbitt who, according to Dooley, is “portrayed as an archetype of the Booster”, the average businessman, “loudmouthed, unthinking, insensitive”.17 His speech reflects the prejudices and clichés of his social group. Although Babbitt tries to revolt against conformity, he is finally persuaded by his friends of the Athletic Club to join the Good Citizen League.
Babbitt, the real-estate dealer, appreciates his car because it is more than of functional value to him or because it is a status symbol; he seems to be deeply emotionally attached to his car, “…, his motor car was poetry and tragedy, love and heroism” to him. (chapter 3, pp. 1-2
When he is feeling sick, everything appears to be dull, boring and “mechanical” to him. (cf. ch. 18, p. 180)
At the beginning of chapter 29 Babbitt is portrayed in such a way that it becomes clear to the reader that the protagonist is playing with the idea of leaving the solid, well paved road of bourgeois success. He has caught himself a mistress and is speaking well of a lawyer who represents labour interests. But at the end of chapter 33 Babbitt has slipped back into role of the average businessman who denounces labour unions, is hostile to immigration, and loves golf and money.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: Examines critical perspectives on Lewis’ stance as a humorist versus a satirist and establishes definitions of irony and satire.
1. Contrast as a satirical device: Analyzes how the disillusionment of the protagonist Carol in "Main Street" is driven by contrasts between her ideals and the village mentality.
2. Invective: Explores the narrator’s use of bitter, vitriolic descriptions to attack social institutions and provincialism.
3. Caricature: Discusses how Lewis creates archetypal characters like Babbitt to embody and satirize the flaws of the American middle class.
4. Parody: Investigates the use of exaggerated imitations of journalistic and social prose to critique social events.
5. Mimicry: Focuses on the satirical use of speech patterns, including oratory and baby talk, to expose social pretension.
6. Banter, Slang, Colloquialism: Highlights the importance of playful, informal language in establishing the atmosphere of Lewis' fictional worlds.
7. “Homely Metaphor”: Discusses Lewis’ connection to the American frontier tradition through his use of plain, earthy descriptive language.
Keywords
Sinclair Lewis, Main Street, Babbitt, Satire, Humor, Irony, Caricature, Parody, Mimicry, American literature, Literary technique, Social criticism, Provincialism, Bourgeoisie, Narrative style
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this essay?
The essay explores the various forms of humor and satirical devices employed by Sinclair Lewis in his novels "Main Street" and "Babbitt" to critique American society.
What are the central themes of the work?
The work focuses on the tension between individual ideals and societal conformity, the use of irony, and the portrayal of the American middle class.
What is the primary research question?
The central question is whether Sinclair Lewis should be categorized primarily as a humorist who uses genial, affirmative forms of comedy, or as a satirist who employs bitterness to denounce societal flaws.
Which scientific methods are applied?
The author performs a qualitative literary analysis, utilizing definitions from dictionaries of literary terms and drawing upon critical interpretations from scholars like Yoshida and Dooley.
What does the main body cover?
The main body systematically examines specific rhetorical and narrative methods: contrast, invective, caricature, parody, mimicry, slang, and metaphor.
What keywords characterize the research?
Key terms include satire, irony, caricature, parody, mimicry, American literature, and specific character archetypes like the "Booster".
How does the author define the "authorial tone"?
The tone is characterized as humorously detached, ironic, and ranging from bitter denunciation to benevolent awareness of contradictory human impulses.
Why is Babbitt considered a prime example of caricature?
Babbitt is viewed as an archetype of the "Booster"—a businessman whose speech, prejudices, and clichés are exaggerated by the author to reveal the hollowness of his conformist life.
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- Dr. phil. Volker Beckmann (Autor:in), 1990, Forms of humour in Sinclair Lewis' novels "Main Street" and "Babbitt", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/501416
