Babbitt · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
Babbitt confronts Paul Riesling in Chicago about his affair with May Arnold, while also attempting to mediate between Paul and his wife Zilla.
What happens
Babbitt confronts Paul Riesling in Chicago about his affair with May Arnold, while also attempting to mediate between Paul and his wife Zilla. The chapter explores the strain in the Riesling marriage and Babbitt's conflicted loyalty.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because Babbitt's vague, suppressed dread about Paul crystallizes into a s…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Midlife Crisis and Disillusionment
Paul Riesling's despair and affair reflect a midlife crisis, as he feels trapped in a loveless marriage and seeks meaning outside it.
- Gender Roles and Marriage
The chapter highlights the destructive dynamics of the Riesling marriage, with Zilla's nagging and Paul's silent resentment challenging traditional gender expectations.
- Hypocrisy and Social Pretense
Babbitt lectures Paul on morality while planning to lie to Zilla, exposing the hypocrisy of upholding social appearances.
Characters to notice
- George F. Babbitt
Visits Zilla Riesling to borrow a thermos and later confronts Paul in Chicago, attempting to mediate the Rieslings' marital conflict.
- Zilla Riesling
Appears disheveled and bitter, accusing Paul of infidelity and lamenting their strained marriage.
- Paul Riesling
Returns from Akron, admits to an affair with May Arnold, and expresses despair over his marriage to Zilla.
- Myra Babbitt
Mentioned briefly as Babbitt's wife and as a point of comparison in his moralizing.
- May Arnold
Referred to as the woman Paul is involved with; described as a widow who understands him.
Key passages
“I simply can't understand why it is that the more some folks love people, the harder they try to make 'em miserable.”
Babbitt expresses confusion about how love can lead to cruelty.
Reflects Babbitt's observation of the Riesling marriage.
“There's nothing left. I don't ever want to see her. Some day I'm going to break away from her. Somehow.”
Paul declares his marriage is beyond repair and he plans to leave Zilla.
Paul's despair and determination to escape his marriage.
“I am, by God! I've never looked at any woman except Myra since I've been married—practically—and I never will!”
Babbitt insists on his own marital fidelity, though with a slight hedge.
Babbitt's self-righteous moral stance, tinged with irony.
