Babbitt · Chapter
V explained
Babbitt stands at his bedroom window, gazing at the Second National Tower in the distance.
What happens
Babbitt stands at his bedroom window, gazing at the Second National Tower in the distance. The sight of the skyscraper inspires in him a renewed reverence for the city and the religion of business, soothing his nervousness and lifting his spirits as he heads down to breakfast.
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 Exposition.
- 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
- Business and American Capitalism
Babbitt views the Second National Tower as a 'temple-spire of the religion of business,' showing his deep reverence for commercial success and the capitalist ethos.
Characters to notice
- George F. Babbitt
Stands at the window, gazing at the Second National Tower and feeling inspired by the city.
- Myra Babbitt
Mentioned as his wife, whom he follows after his moment at the window.
Key passages
“Integrity was in the tower, and decision. It bore its strength lightly as a tall soldier.”
The tower embodied honesty and resolve, carrying its power with the ease of a tall soldier.
Babbitt personifies the skyscraper as a symbol of moral and commercial strength.
“He beheld the tower as a temple-spire of the religion of business, a faith passionate, exalted, surpassing common men; and as he clumped down to breakfast he whistled the ballad 'Oh, by gee, by gosh, by jingo' as though it were a hymn melancholy and noble.”
He saw the tower as a sacred monument to commerce, a faith that transcended ordinary life, and he descended to breakfast whistling a popular tune with the solemnity of a hymn.
Highlights Babbitt's quasi-religious devotion to business and his emotional connection to the city.
