Short Fiction · Chapter
The Bruised Reed explained
A popular preacher, satisfied with his fiery sermon condemning vice, is confronted in his study by Creepy Jake, a ragged and wounded man who had guided him through the Tenderloin.
What happens
A popular preacher, satisfied with his fiery sermon condemning vice, is confronted in his study by Creepy Jake, a ragged and wounded man who had guided him through the Tenderloin. Jake reveals that he was thrown out of the preacher's church before the sermon began, and he bitterly quotes the scripture about the bruised reed, challenging the preacher's hypocrisy.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The preacher's self-satisfied appearance of righteousness contrasts sharply with his failure to practice the compassion he preaches, as shown by his rejection of the very man he claims to save.
Humor and Irony
The bitter irony of the preacher's pride in his sermon while the bruised reed he quoted is literally cast out of his church underscores the chapter's dark humor.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The popular preacher who delivers a harsh sermon against sin and is confronted by Creepy Jake.
- Tonia Perez
Referenced as 'Tony, the Dago,' who sends the guide to the preacher.
Key passages
“The bruised reed he shall not quench, and the smokin' flax he will not put out.”
God will not break a bruised reed or extinguish a smoldering wick, showing mercy to the weak.
Creepy Jake quotes this scripture to highlight the preacher's hypocrisy in rejecting him.
“His wonderful, magnetic influence is as powerful to move the hearts of his roughest, most unlettered hearer, as it is to touch a responsive chord in the cultured brain of the man of refinement and taste.”
The preacher's charisma is said to affect both the uneducated and the cultured alike.
This flattering newspaper line contrasts with the reality that Jake never heard the sermon.