Free Air
Nov 2022 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
231
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About this ebook
Free Air is a 1919 novel written by Sinclair Lewis. From a critical perspective, Free Air is consistent with Sinclair Lewis's lean towards egalitarian politics, which he displays in his other works (most notably in It Can't Happen Here). Examples of his politics in Free Air are found in Lewis's emphasis on the heroic role played by the book's protagonist, Milt Dagget, a working class everyman type. Conversely, Lewis presents nearly every upper-class character in Claire Boltwood's world (including her railroad-mogul father) as snobby elitists. The story also champions the democratic nature of the automobile versus the more aristocratic railroad travel. Lewis's emphasis on the freedom which automobiles would eventually give the working and middle classes bolsters the egalitarian, democratic aesthetic. Free Air is one of the first novels about the road trip, a subject around which the Beats (most notably Jack Kerouac) would build a cult following in the mid-20th century.
Free Air is a 1919 novel written by Sinclair Lewis. From a critical perspective, Free Air is consistent with Sinclair Lewis's lean towards egalitarian politics, which he displays in his other works (most notably in It Can't Happen Here). Examples of his politics in Free Air are found in Lewis's e...
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About the author
Sinclair Lewis, born on February 7, 1885, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, was a trailblazing American novelist and social critic whose works vividly captured the essence of early 20th-century American society. Lewis's keen observations and satirical style earned him the distinction of being the first American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1930. His novels often critiqued the complacency, materialism, and conformity of American life, making him a controversial figure in his time.Lewis's upbringing in a small Midwestern town profoundly influenced his writing, providing a rich backdrop for his incisive social commentary. He attended Yale University, where he honed his literary skills and developed a penchant for challenging societal norms. His early career included stints as a journalist and editor, experiences that sharpened his critical eye and narrative voice.A master of satire, Lewis's works often featured protagonists who grappled with the moral and ethical dilemmas of their time. His fearless exploration of taboo subjects, such as the flaws in the American healthcare system and the dangers of unchecked capitalism, resonated with readers and critics alike. His novel "Babbitt," for instance, introduced the term "Babbittry" to describe the vacuous, conformist middle-class lifestyle, cementing his legacy as a cultural commentator.Lewis's influence extended beyond literature; he inspired contemporary writers like John Steinbeck and Upton Sinclair, who also sought to expose societal injustices. Despite facing criticism for his unflinching portrayals, Lewis remained steadfast in his commitment to truth-telling, making him a revolutionary figure in American letters. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of literature to provoke thought and inspire change.
Sinclair Lewis, born on February 7, 1885, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, was a trailblazing American novelist and social critic whose works vividly captured the essence of early 20th-century American society. Lewis's keen observations and satirical style earned him the distinction of being the first ...
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