Elmer Gantry · Chapter
XII explained
Elmer Gantry tends to his pastoral duties with a mix of genuine effort and superficial showmanship, raising church funds and engaging in manly pursuits like fishing and owning a dog, while his focus increasingly centers on Cleo Benham.
What happens
Elmer Gantry tends to his pastoral duties with a mix of genuine effort and superficial showmanship, raising church funds and engaging in manly pursuits like fishing and owning a dog, while his focus increasingly centers on Cleo Benham.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption in Religion
Elmer's outward piety contrasts with his private indulgences and superficial morality.
Manipulation and Showmanship in Evangelism
Elmer uses enthusiasm and brass to raise funds and perform for his congregation.
Characters to notice
- Elmer Gantry
Engages in pastoral duties, raises church debt, and focuses on Cleo Benham.
- Cleo Benham
Becomes the central focus of Elmer's life.
Key passages
“He did not neglect his not very arduous duties. He went fishing—which gained him credit among the males. He procured a dog, also a sound, manly thing to do, and though he occasionally kicked the dog in the country, he was clamorously affectionate with it in town.”
Elmer performed his easy pastoral duties, fishing to earn male approval and getting a dog for a manly image, though he treated the dog cruelly in private.
Highlights Elmer's performative masculinity and hypocrisy.
“By enthusiasm and brass, he raised most of the church debt, and made agitation for a new carpet.”
Through sheer energy and audacity, Elmer managed to pay off most of the church's debt and pushed for new carpeting.
Shows Elmer's effectiveness through showmanship rather than genuine piety.
“He kept himself from paying any attention, except for rollickingly kissing her once or twice, to the fourteen-year-old daughter of his landlady.”
He mostly avoided the landlady's fourteen-year-old daughter, aside from kissing her playfully a couple of times.
Reveals Elmer's moral lapses and predatory behavior.