It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis depicts the rise of a fascist dictatorship in America, narrated from the perspective of Doremus Jessup, a newspaper owner-editor in Vermont, who transitions from a skeptical observer to an active resistance member, facing significant personal hardships. The story explores how a charismatic leader exploits economic turmoil to gain power, dismantling democratic institutions and violently suppressing dissent, emphasizing the need for political awareness and resistance to demagoguery. The novel contains depictions of violence, persecution, and totalitarian brutality.

Sinclair Lewis' It Can't Happen Here explores the rise of fascism in America with chilling plausibility. Positive reviews commend its prescient political commentary and compelling narrative. Criticisms note a heavy-handed approach and one-dimensional characters. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking cautionary tale with enduring relevance.

A reader who would enjoy It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis is likely interested in political satire, dystopian fiction, and social criticism. Fans of George Orwell’s 1984 or Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World will appreciate the novel's exploration of authoritarianism in America.

Mysterious / Dark / Unnerving / Suspenseful / Challenging

Sinclair Lewis

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Overview

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It Can't Happen Here Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

It Can't Happen Here Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-7

It Can't Happen Here Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-12

It Can't Happen Here Chapters 8-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-17

It Can't Happen Here Chapters 13-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-21

It Can't Happen Here Chapters 18-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-25

It Can't Happen Here Chapters 22-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-29

It Can't Happen Here Chapters 26-29 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 30-34

It Can't Happen Here Chapters 30-34 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 35-38

It Can't Happen Here Chapters 35-38 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

It Can't Happen Here Character Analysis

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Themes

It Can't Happen Here Themes

Symbols & Motifs

It Can't Happen Here Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

It Can't Happen Here Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

It Can't Happen Here Essay Topics

It Can't Happen Here

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