preachers and modernist educators and discontented newspapermen and farm agitators-maybe they'll worry at first, but they'll get caught up in the web of propaganda, like we all were in the Great War, and they'll all be convinced that, even if our Buzzy maybe has got a few faults, he's on the side of the plain people, and against all the tight old political machines, and they'll rouse the country for him as the Great Liberator {and meanwhile Big Business will just wink and sit tight!}, and
In Sinclair Lewis's novel "It Can't Happen Here," the concerns raised by various social groups, such as preachers, educators, journalists, and farmers, highlight the initial discontent toward political manipulation. These figures may be apprehensive about a new regime, but ultimately, they tend to fall prey to the powerful influence of propaganda, much like the mass sentiment during the Great War. This shift indicates a tendency to rally behind a charismatic leader who claims to represent the interests of ordinary citizens.
The protagonist, referred to as Buzzy, embodies the promise of liberation from outdated political structures, appealing to the frustrations of the masses. As people begin to support him, believing in his role as a champion of the common man, they overlook his flaws. In this scenario, Big Business remains unaffected, allowing the political drama to unfold while ensuring their own interests are secure. The narrative reflects a cautionary tale about how easily public sentiment can be swayed, often leading to unintended consequences.
