Elmer Gantry · Chapter
Chapter XXIV explained
Elmer Gantry learns that his Mizpah Seminary classmates Wallace Umstead and Frank Shallard are in Zenith.
What happens
Elmer Gantry learns that his Mizpah Seminary classmates Wallace Umstead and Frank Shallard are in Zenith. He begrudgingly repays a long-standing debt to Frank, whom he dislikes. The chapter also details Frank Shallard's journey from Baptist ministry to soldier to Congregational pastor, his struggles with faith and honesty, and his friendship with Dr. Philip McGarry.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption in Religion
Elmer's resentment and grudging repayment of a debt to Frank, coupled with his disdain for Frank's integrity, highlights the hypocrisy in clerical relations.
Faith vs. Skepticism
Frank's internal struggle between his reverence for Jesus and his doubts about doctrine, as well as his search for a free and honest pulpit.
Critique of Religious Institutions
Frank's disillusionment with Baptist rigidity and his observation that even 'freer' denominations like Congregationalists can be shocked by liberal ideas.
Characters to notice
- Elmer Gantry
Inquires about clerical allies and rivals in Zenith, repays a debt to Frank Shallard with resentment.
- Frank Shallard
Now pastor of Dorchester Congregational Church in Zenith; reflects on his war service, liberal leanings, and dissatisfaction with ministry.
- Wallace Umstead
General secretary of the Zenith Y.M.C.A.; former Mizpah classmate visited by Elmer.
- Bess Shallard
Frank's wife; protests his war enlistment but later supports him; jokes about Elmer's romantic technique.
- Philip McGarry
Methodist pastor of Arbor Church in Zenith; friend of Frank, known for his sturdy cheerfulness and disdainful honesty.
- Dr. G. Prosper Edwards
Wealthy Congregational pastor in Zenith with a plush-lined cathedral; mentioned as a contrast to Frank's church.
Key passages
“He was furious to remember it. He couldn’t pay it, not now, with a motor car just bought and only half paid for! But was it safe to make an enemy of this crank Shallard, who might go around shooting his mouth off and telling a lot of stories—not more’n half of ’em true?”
Elmer was angry about the debt and reluctant to pay it, but feared Frank might spread damaging stories about him.
Elmer's self-serving calculation and hypocrisy in repaying a debt only out of fear.
“He found himself so devoted to the virtues of these common people that he wanted 'to do something for them'—and in bewildered reflection he could think of no other way of 'doing something for them' than to go on preaching.”
Frank's wartime experience with ordinary soldiers deepened his desire to help them, but he could only conceive of doing so through preaching.
Frank's limited vision of service despite his genuine empathy for common people.