Elmer Gantry · Chapter
XIII explained
Elmer and Cleo visit Paris, where Elmer's hypocrisy is exposed when he is tempted by obscene postcards but publicly rebukes the seller to maintain his ministerial facade.
What happens
Elmer and Cleo visit Paris, where Elmer's hypocrisy is exposed when he is tempted by obscene postcards but publicly rebukes the seller to maintain his ministerial facade.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption in Religion
Elmer's private interest in obscene postcards contrasts sharply with his public outrage as a minister, highlighting his hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- Elmer Gantry
Stands impatiently on Rue de la Paix while Cleo shops; is tempted by obscene postcards but rebukes the seller when Cleo appears.
- Cleo Benham
Gapes into a perfumer's window; interrupts Elmer's transaction with the postcard seller.
Key passages
“He stood impatiently on a corner of the Rue de la Paix, while Cleo gaped into the window of a perfumer.”
Elmer waited restlessly on a Paris street corner as Cleo admired perfume displays.
Establishes Elmer's impatience and Cleo's fascination with luxury goods.
“A little greasy man edged up to him, covertly sliding toward him a pack of postcards, and whispered, 'Lovely cards—only two francs each.'”
A seedy vendor approached Elmer and discreetly offered him a pack of postcards for two francs each.
Introduces the temptation and the illicit nature of the transaction.
“Then Elmer saw the topmost card and he was galvanized. 'Whee! Golly! Two francs apiece?' He seized the pack, gloating—But Cleo was suddenly upon him, and he handed back the cards, roaring, 'You get out of here or I'll call a cop! Trying to sell obscene pictures—and to a minister of the gospel! Cleo, these Europeans have dirty minds!'”
Elmer was excited by the cards and grabbed them eagerly, but when Cleo appeared, he pretended to be outraged and threatened to call the police, blaming Europeans for having dirty minds.
Highlights Elmer's hypocrisy and quick shift from lust to moral indignation.