# Chapter XI explained — Elmer Gantry

> Chapter companion for Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis.

## What happens

Elmer Gantry attempts to read philosophy as recommended by Bishop Toomis but quickly abandons it for detective stories, ultimately rejecting any serious philosophical study.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption in Religion

Elmer's pretense of intellectual engagement while actually preferring pulp fiction highlights the hypocrisy of his religious persona.

## Character check-ins

### Elmer Gantry

Struggles to read Royce's philosophy, gives up after a footnote, and returns to detective stories.

### Bishop Wesley R. Toomis

Recommended Royce's philosophy to Elmer.

## Key lines

> The Reverend Elmer Gantry drew his breath, quietly closed the book, and shouted, 'Oh, shut up!'

Elmer Gantry, frustrated by the dense philosophical text, closed the book and exclaimed in exasperation.

_Elmer's rejection of serious study underscores his anti-intellectualism._

## Links

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