Sinclair Lewis
Sinclair Lewis was the first American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, recognized for his satirical portraits of middle-class conformity and provincial smugness. His novels gave names—Babbitt, Main Street—that became cultural shorthand.
Works
- Main StreetNovel satirizing small-town conformity and the limited aspirations of ordinary Americans
- BabbittNovel satirizing the commercial conformity and spiritual emptiness of American businessmen
- ArrowsmithNovel about an idealistic doctor navigating the challenges of medical practice
- Elmer GantryNovel satirizing evangelical religion and the charismatic preacher leading congregations
- DodsworthNovel following a wealthy businessman's journey of self-discovery and personal growth