Arrowsmith

Arrowsmith
Author	Sinclair Lewis
Language	English
Publisher	Harcourt Brace & Company
Publication Date	1925

Arrowsmith is a novel written by Sinclair Lewis, first published in 1925. It tells the story of Martin Arrowsmith, a scientist who is torn between a career as a medical researcher and the more lucrative role of a private physician. The novel explores themes of science vs. commercialism, professional integrity, and the challenges of adhering to scientific ideals in a world driven by profit and personal ambition.

Plot

The novel follows Martin Arrowsmith, an ambitious young man from the small town of Wheatsylvania, Minnesota. He begins his journey at a local medical school but later moves to the prestigious McGurk Institute in New York City to pursue a career in scientific research. Throughout his career, Arrowsmith faces various moral dilemmas and challenges that test his scientific integrity and personal ethics.

Themes

Arrowsmith addresses several significant themes, including the conflict between pure science and its application for profit, the ethics of medical practice and research, and the struggle of an individual to maintain personal integrity in the face of societal pressures. The novel also critiques the motivations and pressures within the scientific community and the impact of commercial interests on scientific research.

Reception

Upon its release, Arrowsmith was critically acclaimed and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1926. However, Sinclair Lewis declined the award, expressing his belief that his novel should be recognized as a work of art without seeking rewards. The book is considered one of Lewis's major works and has been praised for its insightful portrayal of the medical and scientific communities.

Legacy

Arrowsmith has been influential in its portrayal of the medical profession and is often cited in discussions about the ethics of medical research. It has been adapted into a film in 1931 and has been referenced in various other media. The novel remains relevant for its commentary on the nature of scientific endeavor and the moral questions that accompany it.

Adaptations

In 1931, Arrowsmith was adapted into a film directed by John Ford and starring Ronald Colman as Martin Arrowsmith. The film adaptation focused on the dramatic elements of the novel and was well-received for its production values and performances.

See also

• Sinclair Lewis
• Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
• Scientific integrity