The Goose-step

The protagonist, a young man named John M. Smith, is a student at a fictional university where the faculty and administration are increasingly influenced by militaristic values. As he navigates his education, Smith becomes acutely aware of the tension between the idealistic notion of higher education as a space for free thought and the reality of a system that is more focused on creating obedient, conformist citizens. Sinclair uses Smith's experiences to expose the dangers of this "goose-step" mentality, where the pursuit of knowledge is overshadowed by political and social pressures. Through sharp dialogue and a biting narrative, Sinclair critiques the culture of deference to authority, blind nationalism, and the militarization of education. The novel raises questions about the role of universities in shaping society and the individual's relationship to the state, presenting a powerful argument against the unchecked growth of authoritarian systems.