The purpose of this thesis is to examine two characteristics in the life and works of Sinclair Lewis: his ambivalence in general, and his particular unambivalent hostility towards religion. Although he held inconsistent and incompatible views on America, its people, institutions, and beliefs, he was consistent in his dislike of American religious practices. Chapter I examines Lewis's ambivalence respecting America and Americans, the Middle West, the Middle Class and Business; there is also an account of Lewis's persistent hostility towards religious beliefs, the clergy, and churchgoers. Chapter II examines aspects of the life and personality of Sinclair Lewis for some of the factors which contribute to his ambivalent views and also to his anti-religious outlook. Chapter III notes the timeliness of Lewis's novels, published in the Twenties when people were confused about their beliefs. Chapter III then analyses in detail four novels, Main Street, Arrowsmith, Elmer Gantry, and The God Seeker, which demonstrate how Lewis's attitudes change, except towards religion. Chapter IV studies the style of Sinclair Lewis, and notes that he constantly applies mocking or hostile terms to clergy and Christians, while on other subjects he expresses incompatible views with noisy assurance. Chapter IV also suggests that Lewis's ambivalence and his anti-religion both stem from a lack of profundity in his thought and feeling. He is unable to understand and appreciate fully the truths of American life and the truths of religion. / Arts, Faculty of / English, Department of / Graduate

This study compares Elmer Gantry and The God-Seeker. Part one shows the preparations of the two novels. Part two discusses the critical receptions of the two novels. The material is gathered from books and publications.The comparison also includes a study of the two novels themselves. Using critical comment as a basis, the paper compares the structure and use of setting, character, plot, style and techniques within the two novels.

A cursory glance into the background of Sinclair Lewis reveals that he was an ardent nonconformist. In this study, however, it is pertinent to view more closely the conditions that caused his rebellious attitudes, not only those concerning social reform but also those concerning his personal quest for individuality.

The purpose of this project was to prepare a group interpretation script based upon the life of Sinclair Lewis and to direct a production of the script. Major sources for the script are Mark Schorer, Sinclair Lewis: An American Life; Grace Hegger Lewis, With Love From Gracie; and Vincent Sheean, Dorothy and Red. The script employs five readers and has a performance time of approximately fifty-five minutes. The thesis includes a biography of Lewis, a justification for the project, the purpose and procedures followed, as well as discussions of the production concept, adapting material for group interpretation, direction, rehearsal procedures, and evaluations of the script and the performance. The complete script is also included in the thesis.