Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis, study guide & Activities

Babbitt
by Sinclair Lewis
About_
This study guide covers Sinclair Lewis’s satirical novel Babbitt, which follows the life of George F. Babbitt, a
middle-aged real estate agent in the fictional city of Zenith. Through Babbitt’s journey from conformity to rebellion
and back again, the novel critiques American materialism, social conformity, and the hollowness of middle-class
life in the 1920s. This study guide contains 130 questions across 10 chapter sections (100 Factual + 30 Critical), 1
Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity.
What’s Included_
This study guide features 10 sets of 10 Factual Questions with an answer key (100 total), 10 sets of 3 Critical
Analysis Questions (30 total), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity (8 traits + evidence
prompt + critical thinking question).
Target Grades_
Grades 10-12
Teacher Note_
This study guide offers a comprehensive framework for exploring Sinclair Lewis’s masterful critique of American
conformity and materialism. The factual questions build essential reading comprehension, while the critical
analysis prompts encourage students to examine the complex tensions between individual desire and social
pressure. The character focus and crossword activities add engaging variety that will save you preparation time
while deepening student engagement with this American classic.