In Sinclair Lewis's "It Can't Happen Here," the narrative highlights the absurdity of war hysteria through the example of renaming familiar items. During times of conflict, even trivial matters like food names were affected, showcasing how patriotism can lead to irrational behavior. The attempts to alter terms like 'sauerkraut' to 'Liberty cabbage' and 'German measles' to 'Liberty measles' exemplify the extreme lengths to which societies can go to display allegiance and ensure conformity in thought and language.

This behavior underscores the broader theme of how fear and propaganda shape public perception during war. Lewis captures the collective madness that can arise from nationalistic fervor, raising questions about identity and the impact of collective psyche on culture. The quote serves as a reminder of the irrationality that often accompanies wartime sentiments, encouraging readers to reflect on how easily names and meanings can be distorted in the name of patriotism.