The Way of All Flesh · Chapter
LV explained
The narrator, Overton, visits Ernest in London and is disappointed to find him ordained and pursuing a clerical life that seems ill-suited to him.
What happens
The narrator, Overton, visits Ernest in London and is disappointed to find him ordained and pursuing a clerical life that seems ill-suited to him. Overton reflects on Ernest's aunt Alethea and the money she left him. Ernest is struggling with his parish work, feeling ineffective among the poor and troubled by financial losses from speculative investments with Pryer. Mrs. Jupp, Ernest's landlady, expresses concern about Ernest's melancholy demeanor.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy of Victorian Morality
Ernest's idealistic but ineffective ministry contrasts with the reality of parish work, and his financial speculation undermines his clerical sincerity.
Money and Social Class
Ernest's inherited wealth and speculative losses highlight the intersection of class, finance, and clerical life.
Self-Discovery and Authenticity
Ernest begins to question whether he is becoming a 'sham' as he fails to connect with the poor and doubts his effectiveness.
Characters to notice
- Ernest Pontifex
Now ordained and living in London; struggling with parish work and financial losses from speculation with Pryer.
- Mr. Overton
The narrator; visits Ernest and is vexed by his ordination and the direction of his life.
- Mrs. Jupp
Ernest's landlady; speaks freely with Overton, expressing concern that Ernest looks sad and might die.
- Pryer
Ernest's fellow curate; involved with Ernest in speculative investments that lead to losses.
- Alethea Pontifex
Ernest's deceased aunt; her money is accumulating for Ernest, which Overton regrets given Ernest's current path.
Key passages
“I liked his face, but except for the common bond of music, in respect of which our tastes were singularly alike, I should hardly have known how to get on with him.”
Overton found Ernest likeable but struggled to connect with him beyond their shared love of music.
Overton's initial impression of Ernest after a long separation.
“He had been a serious-minded man, and death frightened him as it must frighten anyone who believes that all his most secret thoughts will be shortly exposed in public.”
Mr. Brookes feared death because he believed his private thoughts would be revealed in judgment.
Reflection on the dying Mr. Brookes, whom Ernest visits.
“What he should do was to go into the highways and byways, and compel people to come in. Was he doing this? Or were not they rather compelling him to keep out—outside their doors at any rate?”
Ernest felt he should be actively bringing people to religion, but instead found himself excluded from their lives.
Ernest's internal conflict about his effectiveness as a clergyman.