The Damnation of Theron Ware · Chapter
Chapter XVII explained
Theron Ware confesses to Sister Soulsby that he followed her instructions but feels no self-respect for doing so.
What happens
Theron Ware confesses to Sister Soulsby that he followed her instructions but feels no self-respect for doing so. She challenges his conscience, arguing that the revival's 'dirty work' was necessary machinery to shake up the congregation and save the church. She defends their methods as 'good frauds,' including adapting Chopin melodies for hymns, and insists Theron must accept the practical realities of ministry. Theron, though conflicted, expresses gratitude and affection for her guidance.
Themes in this chapter
Religious Hypocrisy and Doubt
Theron grapples with the perceived dishonesty of revival tactics, while Sister Soulsby defends them as necessary 'good frauds' for church survival.
Corruption and Manipulation
Sister Soulsby openly discusses the 'machinery' of revivalism, including using Chopin melodies as hymns and manipulating congregational emotions.
Class and Social Mobility
Sister Soulsby challenges Theron's ability to earn a living outside the ministry, highlighting his dependence on his clerical role.
Characters to notice
- Theron Ware
Confesses his shame and lack of self-respect after following Sister Soulsby's instructions; struggles with his conscience over the revival's dishonest methods.
- Sister Soulsby
Defends the revival's tactics as necessary 'machinery'; explains the concept of 'good frauds' and urges Theron to accept practical realities.
- Alice Ware
Mentioned as being led into the garden by Brother Soulsby to allow Theron and Sister Soulsby to talk privately.
- Brother Soulsby
Deftly occupies Alice in the garden to give Theron and Sister Soulsby time alone; praised for his charitable actions.
- Father Forbes
Mentioned by Theron as a Catholic priest who does not believe in certain things, illustrating Theron's roving thoughts about unfrocked clergy.
Key passages
“I did what you told me to do, and I dare say you won't be surprised when I add that I have no respect for myself for doing it.”
Theron admits he followed Sister Soulsby's instructions but feels ashamed of his actions.
Opens the chapter with Theron's moral conflict.
“You think you soiled your hands by doing what you did. That is to say, you wanted all the dirty work done by other people.”
Sister Soulsby accuses Theron of wanting others to handle the unpleasant tasks while he remains clean.
Highlights the theme of hypocrisy and manipulation.
“I simply took Chopin—he is full of sixths, you know—and I got all sorts of melodies out of his waltzes and mazurkas and nocturnes and so on, and I trained Soulsby just to sing those sixths so as to make the harmony, and there you are.”
Sister Soulsby explains how she adapted Chopin's music for revival hymns, calling it a 'good fraud.'
Illustrates the manipulation of art for religious purposes.