# Chapter XII explained — Elmer Gantry

> Chapter companion for Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis.

## What happens

Sharon Falconer reveals her true identity to Elmer Gantry, confessing that she was born Katie Jonas and fabricated the Falconer name. She invites him to her Virginia estate, Hanning Hall, where they engage in a bizarre, syncretic religious ritual in her private chapel, blending Christian and pagan elements. Elmer becomes her devoted assistant, and their relationship deepens.

## Themes in this chapter

### Manipulation and Showmanship in Evangelism

Sharon orchestrates a theatrical ritual to bind Elmer to her, using costume, incense, and a blend of religious symbols to create awe and submission.

### Gender and Sexuality

Sharon exerts sexual and spiritual dominance over Elmer, while their relationship oscillates between intimacy and control.

### Class and Social Climbing

Sharon's invented Falconer identity and the Virginia plantation setting highlight the theme of constructed aristocracy and social aspiration.

## Character check-ins

### Elmer Gantry

Elmer is seduced by Sharon's power and mystique, agrees to serve her, and participates in her esoteric chapel ritual.

### Sharon Falconer

Sharon reveals her true background as Katie Jonas, asserts her constructed identity, and leads Elmer in a syncretic worship ceremony.

### Cecil Aylston

Mentioned as Sharon's former mentor and lover, whom she plans to dismiss in favor of Elmer.

## Key lines

> You will be big! I’ll make you! And perhaps I’m a prophetess, a little bit, but I’m also a good liar. You see I’m not a Falconer. There ain’t any! My name is Katie Jonas.

Sharon confesses that she is not a real Falconer but a former stenographer named Katie Jonas, and promises to make Elmer great.

_Sharon reveals her fabricated identity and her ambition to elevate Elmer._

> I am Sharon Falconer now! I’ve made her—by prayer and by having a right to be her!

Sharon asserts that through prayer and will, she has become the person she invented.

_Sharon justifies her self-creation as a legitimate transformation._

> It is the hour! Blessed Virgin, Mother Hera, Mother Frigga, Mother Ishtar, Mother Isis, dread Mother Astarte of the weaving arms, it is thy priestess...

Sharon invokes a syncretic pantheon of goddesses in her private chapel ritual.

_Sharon's eclectic worship blends Christian and pagan deities._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/elmer_gantry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters