Elmer Gantry · Chapter
III explained
Elmer Gantry, a large and charismatic but domineering student at Terwillinger College, uses threats and intimidation to secure his election as senior class president, despite the taboo against a second term.
What happens
Elmer Gantry, a large and charismatic but domineering student at Terwillinger College, uses threats and intimidation to secure his election as senior class president, despite the taboo against a second term. His only true friend is the sharp and independent Jim Lefferts, who balances Elmer's brute force with intellect. The chapter explores Elmer's popularity based on fear rather than genuine affection, and his manipulative tactics, including a minor financial impropriety with Jim.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption in Religion
Eddie Fislinger, a pious Y.M.C.A. president, uses prayer meetings as a political tool, and Elmer's manipulation of the class election mirrors the corruption seen in religious institutions.
Ambition and the Pursuit of Power
Elmer's relentless drive for class presidency, achieved through threats and intimidation, exemplifies his pursuit of power and dominance over others.
Manipulation and Showmanship in Evangelism
Elmer's tactics—threatening opponents, controlling nominations, and using his athletic fame—foreshadow the manipulative showmanship he will later employ as an evangelist.
Characters to notice
- Elmer Gantry
A large, handsome, and domineering senior who uses threats to win a second term as class president, revealing his belief that he is the center of the universe.
- Jim Lefferts
Elmer's only true friend; a slim, elegant, and intellectually independent young man who serves as a counterbalance to Elmer's brute force and is complicit in minor book-doctoring.
- Eddie Fislinger
A meager, pious, and ambitious student who initially opposes Elmer's re-election but is easily intimidated into submission.
Key passages
“He appointed Jim Lefferts chairman of the ticket committee, and between them, by only the very slightest doctoring of the books, they turned forty dollars to the best of all possible uses.”
Elmer and Jim slightly altered the financial records to divert forty dollars for their own benefit.
This early act of dishonesty foreshadows Elmer's later ethical compromises.
“He could not understand men who shrank from blood, who liked poetry or roses, who did not casually endeavor to seduce every possibly seducible girl.”
Elmer was baffled by men who were gentle, artistic, or not constantly pursuing women.
This reveals Elmer's aggressive masculinity and lack of empathy.