# Chapter XXXIII explained — Elmer Gantry

> Chapter companion for Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis.

## What happens

Elmer Gantry faces a blackmail scandal when Hettie Dowler and her husband Oscar accuse him of alienation of affections. With the help of T. J. Rigg and detective Pete Reese, they uncover Hettie's criminal past and force her to sign a confession recanting the charges. Elmer is publicly vindicated, receives telegrams of support from the Yorkville Methodist Church and the Napap, and is greeted with a triumphant ovation from his congregation. In his prayer of thanks, he vows to lead a moral crusade, though he quickly notices an attractive new singer in the choir.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption in Religion

Elmer's public prayer of purity and moral crusade is immediately undercut by his noticing a new female singer, exposing his hypocrisy.

### Manipulation and Showmanship in Evangelism

Elmer and T. J. Rigg manipulate the scandal by forcing a false confession and staging a public display of repentance and vindication.

### Critique of Religious Institutions

The church's rapid acceptance of Elmer's innocence and the congregation's emotional ovation critique the gullibility and herd mentality of religious institutions.

## Character check-ins

### Elmer Gantry

Faces blackmail scandal; is vindicated by Hettie's forced confession; receives ovation from congregation; vows moral reform but notices a new singer.

### Hettie Dowler

Blackmails Elmer with her husband; forced to sign a confession recanting charges after her criminal past is exposed.

### Oscar Dowler

Hettie's husband; participates in blackmail scheme; forced to sign corroboration of Hettie's confession.

### T. J. Rigg

Arranges for detective Pete Reese to expose Hettie's past; orchestrates the confession and settlement.

### Mannie Silverhorn

Lawyer involved in the blackmail negotiations; comments on the overdone confession.

### Cleo Benham

Elmer's wife; initially supports him and is relieved by his vindication.

## Key lines

> I hereby voluntarily swear that all charges against the Reverend Dr. Elmer Gantry made directly or by implication by myself and husband are false, wicked, and absolutely unfounded.

Hettie signs a statement declaring that all accusations against Elmer are lies.

_This forced confession is the key to Elmer's public vindication._

> They rose and cheered—cheered—cheered. Theirs were the shining faces of friends.

The congregation gives Elmer a standing ovation, showing their unwavering support.

_The crowd's reaction demonstrates Elmer's successful manipulation of public opinion._

> He turned to include the choir, and for the first time he saw that there was a new singer, a girl with charming ankles and lively eyes, with whom he would certainly have to become well acquainted.

During his prayer of moral renewal, Elmer notices an attractive new choir member and plans to pursue her.

_This moment underscores Elmer's hypocrisy and inability to reform._

## Links

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