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Babbitt · Character

May Arnold

A society woman and acquaintance of the Babbitts.

minor

Also known as Arnold, Mrs. Arnold

First appearance: chapter i

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In V: A flabbily pretty, weakly flirtatious woman accompanying Paul Riesling, introduced as Mrs. Arnold. Later, in Chapter XX: Referred to…

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See May Arnold in chapter i

Character Web

3 connections

A slice of how May Arnold sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

GFGeorge F. Babb…PRPaul RieslingZRZilla RieslingMAMay Arnold

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Extended Social Orbit
  • Protagonist
  • Babbitt's Inner Circle

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • 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…

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In the story

May Arnold appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for May Arnold unlock in the free preview.

See May Arnold in chapter i