Babbitt

Published in 1922, 'Babbitt' by Sinclair Lewis follows George F. Babbitt, a middle-aged real estate broker in the fictional city of Zenith. As he navigates his seemingly successful life, Babbitt grapples with personal dissatisfaction and societal expectations, leading him to explore radical politics and infidelity. The novel critiques American materialism and conformity during the early 20th century, making it a significant work in American literature and a precursor to later explorations of the American Dream.