Elmer Gantry · Chapter
Chapter XXI explained
Elmer Gantry courts Cleo Benham, hindered by her father's presence and his own lack of passion.
What happens
Elmer Gantry courts Cleo Benham, hindered by her father's presence and his own lack of passion. They become engaged, and Elmer marries Cleo in January. At the Annual Conference, Elmer gains favor with Bishop Toomis and is admitted to membership, answering doctrinal questions with certainty. He conducts revival meetings and a Junior Epworth League, receives a hint of a larger church, and officiates at the funeral of Ishuah Rogers, comforting old J. F. Whittlesey.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption in Religion
Elmer feigns piety and answers doctrinal questions with certainty while privately indulging in worldly pleasures and manipulating his congregation.
Ambition and the Pursuit of Power
Elmer strategically courts Cleo for social standing, networks at Conference to gain favor with Bishop Toomis, and seeks a larger church.
Manipulation and Showmanship in Evangelism
Elmer uses revival meetings and emotional funeral oratory to enhance his reputation and control his congregation.
Characters to notice
- Elmer Gantry
Courts Cleo, feels conflicted about marriage, gains favor at Conference, conducts revival, and officiates Ishuah Rogers' funeral.
- Cleo Benham
Engaged to Elmer, marries him in January, supports his career at Conference.
- Nathaniel Benham
Cleo's father, interferes with Elmer's courtship, approves of the engagement.
- Mrs. Gantry
Elmer's mother, attends the wedding from Kansas, happy for him.
- Bishop Wesley R. Toomis
Favors Elmer, promises a larger church, calls him by first name.
- J. F. Whittlesey
Grieves at Ishuah Rogers' funeral, comforted by Elmer.
Key passages
“With women Elmer had always considered himself what he called a 'quick worker,' but the properties of the ministry, the delighted suspicion with which the gossips watched a preacher who went courting, hindered his progress with Cleo.”
Elmer prided himself on being fast with women, but as a minister, the community's watchful eyes slowed his courtship of Cleo.
Highlights the constraints of clerical life on Elmer's romantic pursuits.
“He was certain that she would surrender to him whenever he should demand it. He was certain that she had every desirable quality. And yet— Oh, somehow, she did not stir him.”
Elmer knew Cleo loved him and thought she was perfect, but he felt no real passion for her.
Reveals Elmer's emotional detachment and internal conflict about marriage.
“Are you going on to perfection? Do you expect to be made perfect in love in this life? Are you earnestly striving after it? Are you resolved to devote yourself wholly to God and his work?”
The Conference asked Elmer if he was committed to spiritual perfection and total devotion to God.
Shows the formal doctrinal expectations Elmer cynically affirms.
“Celebrating his renunciation of all fleshy devices and pleasures by wolfing a steak, fried onions, fried potatoes, corn, three cups of coffee, and two slices of apple pie with ice cream”
Right after vowing to give up worldly pleasures, Elmer indulged in a huge, rich meal.
Illustrates Elmer's hypocrisy and lack of genuine self-denial.
“In Elmer's confident strength old Whittlesey found reassurance. He clung to him, muttering, 'God bless you, Brother,' before he hobbled out.”
Elmer's strong presence comforted the grieving Whittlesey, who thanked him as he left.
Demonstrates Elmer's ability to provide emotional support, even if calculated.
