The game {baseball}was a custom of his clan, and it gave outlet for the homicidal and sides-taking instincts which Babbitt called "patriotism" and "love of sport."
In Sinclair Lewis's "Babbitt," baseball is depicted as a significant tradition within the protagonist's community. It serves not only as a recreational activity but also as a medium for expressing deeper emotions and instincts. The game's competitive nature allows individuals to channel their aggressive tendencies, which Babbitt equates with feelings of patriotism and enthusiasm for sports. This highlights how communal activities can shape personal identity and social values.
The reference to baseball reflects the importance of sports in American culture, revealing how such games can unite people while also stirring up primal emotions. Babbitt's perspective suggests that sport is more than mere entertainment; it represents a cultural phenomenon where allegiance and rivalry enhance communal bonds. Ultimately, baseball becomes a lens through which individual and collective psyches are examined in the narrative.
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