Fascist Tendencies in Literature

Fascism Sinclair Lewis' It Can't Happen Here is a thinly veiled satire about the possibility of a fascist dictatorship erected in the United States (Reardon, 2015). In that respect, the author's characterization is particularly important in elucidating the potential of fascism during the 1930's in this country. An analysis of the actions and interactions of Doremus Jessup and Senator Trowbridge, then, reveals that the potential of fascism in this country is both possible as well as nearly absolute. The doctor in Vermont is a relatively minor character in this work.

However, his reaction to the tirades of the recently elected U.S. President (Buzz Windrip) who acts like a fascist dictator for the majority of this novel is like that of most Americans regarding the possibility of this movement's emergence in America. The doctor scoffs at the possibility, and dismisses based on what he perceives as the virtue of the U.S.: "Why, America's the only free country on earth. Besides! Country's too big for a revolution. No, no! Couldn't happen here" (Lewis).

This passage demonstrates that the doctor disbelieves that Windrip could possibly win the election and implement a fascist regime, because he perceives the U.S. is a "free" nation -- the only one left on the face of the earth. Such a perception was not uncommon among Americans even in the midst of the Great Depression in the 1930s; it is still fairly ubiquitous today. Thus, once Windrip actually is elected this prominent doctor opposes his regime, and eventually is executed because of this fact.

Still, it is significant that this character does oppose Windrip and his fledgling fascism, which shows that such a movement in this country would incur resistance. However, the doctor's fate suggests that such open resistance may prove futile and that fascism in any country is potent. Jessup's reaction to Windrip's election and fascist advances also indicates that fascism is a distinct possibility in this country. Nonetheless, his form of resistance is less overt than the doctor's was.

Jessup chooses to oppose Windrip from an ideological perspective that seeks to influence the thoughts and feelings of the country as a whole. Specifically, he begins writing for a minor media outlet that is opposed to Windrip's views. This form of resistance has a sort of efficacy that exceeds that of merely opposing fascism personally; it can actually sway others to one's own side and represents more of a dedicated and holistic solution to fascism's ills.

Jessup regards Windrip as one of the "fervent Hitlers and gesticulating Fascists and the Caesar's with laurels round bald-domes" (Lewis). The fact that he was so moved to commit to print views against Windrip's illustrates the realistic grip that fascism could have on the country. However, his form of resistance demonstrates that there will also be staunch opposition to that political ideology -- the likes of which are difficult to completely eradicate.

Finally, it is important to note that Jessup's form of resistance was emblematic of the time period in which this novel is set. Political protests in the form of pamphlets and written material supplied by printing presses were common during the time surrounding, and including, the first and second world wars. The printing.