Chapter XXI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Gender Roles and Sexuality

  Dr. Ledsmar delivers a lengthy, cynical analysis of women as inherently superstitious and sexually attracted to priests, linking their behavior to pagan sensuality and arguing that women remain in a 'medieval' stage of development.

• Religious Hypocrisy and Doubt

  Theron's questioning of Celia's relationship with Father Forbes and his own flattery at being called a 'priest' reveal his growing doubt and fascination with the Catholic Church's rituals and the power dynamics between clergy and women.

• Intellectual Awakening and Education

  Theron's visit to Ledsmar's laboratory and conservatory, and his attempt to engage with scientific ideas (Darwin's theory, serpent-worship), reflect his intellectual curiosity and desire to expand his worldview beyond his Methodist upbringing.

Characters to notice

• Theron Ware

  Visits Dr. Ledsmar under the pretext of scientific curiosity but is primarily driven by a desire to understand Celia Madden's relationship with Father Forbes. He is flattered by being called a 'priest' and listens intently to Ledsmar's theories.

• Dr. Ledsmar

  Hosts Theron and delivers a cynical monologue about women's superstition and their attraction to priests. He dismisses Celia Madden as a 'bundle of egotism, ignorance, and redheaded lewdness' and feigns a painful shoulder to end the visit.

• Celia Madden

  Discussed by Theron and Ledsmar. Theron is curious about her ties to Father Forbes, while Ledsmar denounces her harshly, calling her an 'abnormal sport' and suggesting she should be whipped.

• Father Forbes

  Mentioned in the context of his relationship with Celia Madden. Theron seeks to understand the nature of their connection, and Ledsmar uses him as an example of a priest who attracts women.

• Alice Ware

  Briefly mentioned by Theron as an example of a woman becoming more religious as he develops in 'the other direction.'

Key passages

• “She is not worth talking about—a mere bundle of egotism, ignorance, and redheaded lewdness.”

  Dr. Ledsmar dismisses Celia Madden as a worthless person full of selfishness, stupidity, and crude sexuality.

  Ledsmar's harsh characterization of Celia reflects his contempt for her and his view of her as a degenerate type.

• “The boy passes her, as the tortoise did the hare. He goes on, if he is a philosopher, and lets her remain in the dark ages, where she belongs.”

  Men, like the tortoise in the fable, eventually surpass women intellectually, leaving them in a primitive state.

  Ledsmar uses the fable of the tortoise and the hare to argue that women are intellectually stagnant while men progress.

• “She desires to see him surrounded by flowerpots and candles, to have him smelling of musk. She would like to curl his hair, and weave garlands in it.”

  Women want priests to be adorned with flowers, candles, and perfumes, and they wish to beautify them with curled hair and garlands.

  Ledsmar describes women's desire to feminize and sensualize the priestly figure, linking it to pagan sensuality.