In "It Can't Happen Here," Sinclair Lewis portrays a society grappling with the rise of totalitarianism and the moral decay accompanying it. The protagonist’s struggle against oppressive ideologies highlights the dangers of fanaticism and deceit, emphasizing that such corruption undermines humanity. The conflict reflects a broader critique of societal complacency in the face of growing authoritarianism.
Lewis expresses a firm stance against the justification of evil actions through fanaticism. He believes that once individuals resort to lies and cruelty, they forfeit any claim to moral righteousness. This stance serves as a warning about the consequences of allowing fanatic ideologies to dictate actions and decisions, urging readers to remain vigilant against such societal trends.