# VII: The Imitation of Christ explained — The Red Room

> Chapter companion for The Red Room by August Strindberg.

## What happens

Falk receives a letter from Nathanael Skore, a popular preacher, inviting him to his office. Falk visits the Christian printing house, a commercialized religious enterprise, where he meets Skore, who wears riding-boots and runs the operation like a business. Skore reveals that Falk has been advertised as editor of 'The Torch of Reconciliation' and pressures him to write Skore's biography. Falk, shocked and disgusted, protests the advertisement and resigns himself to poverty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

Skore's religious enterprise is a facade for profit and self-aggrandizement, as seen in his riding-boots, cigar, and business-like operation of the printing house.

### Artistic Integrity vs. Commercialism

Falk is pressured to compromise his principles by writing a biography for Skore's commercial religious magazine, leading him to protest and choose starvation over dishonesty.

## Character check-ins

### Arvid Falk

Visits Skore's office, is manipulated into being advertised as editor of a religious magazine, and protests the arrangement.

### Nathanael Skore

A popular preacher who runs a commercialized Christian printing empire, wears riding-boots, and pressures Falk to write his biography.

### Lundell

Mentioned as having given Falk a riddle that is now partially understood.

### Nyström

Mentioned as a recipient of proofs in Skore's office.

### Smith

Implied as the publisher who contacted Skore about the biography.

## Key lines

> He had discovered a gospel for smart society. The divine ordinance of grace had become a sport!

Skore turned religion into a fashionable game for the upper class.

_Highlights the theme of hypocrisy and the commodification of faith._

> Falk, as usual, could not think of a suitable answer until it was too late; when he thought of one, he was already in the street.

Falk was slow to respond and only thought of a retort after leaving.

_Illustrates Falk's character as introspective and often overwhelmed by assertive personalities._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_room_se/chapters/vii-the-imitation-of-christ
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_room_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_room_se/chapters