Dodsworth by Sinclair Lewis (1929)

Name: Dodsworth
Author: Sinclair Lewis

Dodsworth is a novel by Sinclair Lewis, first published in 1929. It tells the story of a successful middle-aged businessman, Sam Dodsworth, who decides to retire early and take a trip around Europe with his wife, Fran. The novel follows the couple as they travel through Europe, exploring the different cultures and customs of the countries they visit. Along the way, they meet a variety of interesting people, including a young American woman, Edith Cortright, who is determined to make her own way in the world. As the novel progresses, Sam and Fran's marriage begins to unravel as they struggle to adjust to their new life. Sam is increasingly drawn to Edith, while Fran finds herself increasingly isolated and alone. In the end, Sam and Fran must decide whether to stay together or go their separate ways.

By Sinclair Lewis · First published 1929 · Genre: Realistic Fiction, Satire, Romance · 36 chapters · 138,550 words

First lines

The aristocracy of Zenith were dancing at the Kennepoose Canoe Club. They two-stepped on the wide porch, with its pillars of pine trunks, its bobbing Japanese lanterns; and never were there dance- frocks with wider sleeves nor hair more sensuously piled on little smiling heads, never an August evening more moon-washed and spacious and proper for respectable romance.

Three guests had come in these new-fangled automobiles, for it was now 1903, the climax of civilization. A fourth automobile was approaching, driven by Samuel Dodsworth.

What this Textopian page supports

Dodsworth is listed on Textopian as a novel by Sinclair Lewis, dated 1929 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Sinclair Lewis
Date: 1929 CE
Language: English
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Satire, Romance, Drama
Length: 138,550 words
Structure: 36 chapters, 4,714 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Dodsworth?
How does this novel by Sinclair Lewis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Realistic Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Realistic Fiction — Dodsworth is a realistic novel that follows the life of a middle-aged businessman, Sam Dodsworth, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and exploration of Europe.
Satire — Sinclair Lewis uses satire to criticize the materialism and superficiality of American culture in the novel.
Romance — The novel follows the romantic relationship between Sam and his wife, Fran, as they navigate their changing relationship.
Drama — The novel is filled with dramatic moments as Sam and Fran struggle to come to terms with their changing relationship.