Elmer Gantry · Chapter
Chapter VIII explained
Elmer Gantry endures the tedium of seminary classes, focusing on oratory and practical theology while despising scholarly subjects.
What happens
Elmer Gantry endures the tedium of seminary classes, focusing on oratory and practical theology while despising scholarly subjects. Frank Shallard, a thoughtful student, is mentored by the scholarly but heretical Dr. Bruno Zechlin, who shares his doubts about Christianity. Frank struggles with his faith but remains in the church, while his hatred for Elmer grows after witnessing Elmer's predatory interest in Lulu Bains.
Themes in this chapter
Faith vs. Skepticism
Frank Shallard and Dr. Zechlin grapple with doubts about Christianity, questioning the Bible's infallibility and the church's role.
Hypocrisy and Corruption in Religion
Elmer's focus on oratory and practical manipulation contrasts with the scholarly integrity of Dr. Zechlin, highlighting hypocrisy in the ministry.
Critique of Religious Institutions
The chapter criticizes seminary education for promoting superficial skills over genuine scholarship, and the church for stifling honest inquiry.
Characters to notice
- Elmer Gantry
Finds seminary classes boring, excels in oratory, and despises scholarly subjects like Greek and theology.
- Frank Shallard
A thoughtful senior student who loves Dr. Zechlin and struggles with doubts about Christianity.
- Dr. Bruno Zechlin
A scholarly professor who confides his doubts to Frank and fears losing his job if he reveals his true beliefs.
- Eddie Fislinger
Elmer's classmate who shares his notebook on practical theology with Elmer.
- Lulu Bains
Mentioned as a bisque doll; Frank observes Elmer's predatory interest in her.
- Dean Trosper
Lectures on practical theology and homiletics, teaching students how to raise money and avoid scandals.
Key passages
“He went into the woods to practise. Once a small boy came up behind him, standing on a stump in a clearing, and upon being greeted with 'I denounce the abominations of your lascivious and voluptuous, uh, abominations,' he fled yelping, and never again was the same carefree youth.”
Elmer practiced his preaching in the woods, scaring a young boy with his dramatic denunciations.
Illustrates Elmer's showmanship and the absurdity of his oratory.
“But Frank Shallard loved Dr. Zechlin, him alone among the members of the faculty.”
Frank was the only student who admired Dr. Zechlin.
Highlights Frank's intellectual affinity with the scholarly professor.
“If he were kicked out of Mizpah, he would starve.”
Dr. Zechlin feared losing his job because he had no other way to earn a living.
Reveals the economic pressure that keeps Zechlin from speaking his true beliefs.