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Babbitt · Character

Professor Joseph K. Pumphrey

A pompous elocution teacher and member of the Boosters.

minor

Also known as Professor Pumphrey, Joe Pumphrey, Pumphrey

First appearance: chapter i

Professor Joseph K. Pumphrey shows up with force in II. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Participates in the banter, joking about Babbitt's supposed wealth.
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In II: Participates in the banter, joking about Babbitt's supposed wealth. Later, in Chapter II: Defends Drum's aggressive approach and…

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See Professor Joseph K. Pumphrey in chapter i

Character Web

23 connections

A slice of how Professor Joseph K. Pumphrey sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

PRPaul RieslingMHMack HarkerGFGeorge F. Babb…SFSidney Finkels…VGVirgil GunchPJProfessor Joseph K. …

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Civic and Authority Figures
  • Babbitt's Inner Circle
  • Extended Social Orbit
  • Protagonist

+18 more in the full Character Web

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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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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In the story

Professor Joseph K. Pumphrey appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Professor Joseph K. Pumphrey unlock in the free preview.

See Professor Joseph K. Pumphrey in chapter i
Who is Professor Joseph K. Pumphrey in Babbitt?