The Way of All Flesh · Chapter
LVIII explained
Ernest resolves to persevere in his clerical duties despite doubts.
What happens
Ernest resolves to persevere in his clerical duties despite doubts. He attempts to convert his neighbors, starting with the tailor Mr. Holt, but is intimidated by Holt's violent temper. He then visits the Methodist Baxters, who receive him warmly but reveal his ignorance of Methodism. Mrs. Baxter warns him about Miss Emily Snow, a dancer and alleged prostitute, but Ernest decides to reclaim her. Mrs. Jupp offers to prepare Miss Snow for his visit and suggests he next try the freethinking tinker Mr. Shaw.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy of Victorian Morality
Ernest's naive attempts to convert his neighbors contrast with his own fear and ignorance, highlighting the gap between moral ideals and reality.
Religion and Doubt
Ernest struggles with his faith and the practical challenges of his clerical vocation, questioning his ability to convert others.
Self-Discovery and Authenticity
Ernest begins to realize his discomfort with the poor and his own limitations, a step toward understanding his true nature.
Characters to notice
- Ernest Pontifex
Attempts to convert his neighbors, including Mr. Holt, the Baxters, and plans to visit Miss Snow.
- Mr. Holt
The violent tailor living above Ernest; Ernest is afraid of him and abandons his conversion attempt.
- Mrs. Jupp
The landlady who advises Ernest and offers to prepare Miss Snow for his visit.
- Miss Snow
A lodger in the house, described as a dancer at Drury Lane and a 'bad young woman' by Mrs. Baxter; Ernest plans to reclaim her.
- Mr. Baxter
A Methodist lodger who advises Ernest against meddling with Mr. Holt.
- Mrs. Baxter
A Methodist lodger who gives a negative account of Miss Snow and warns Ernest about her.
Key passages
“He had been listening to the voice of the evil one on the night before, and would parley no more with such thoughts.”
Ernest decides to ignore his doubts and continue his missionary work.
Ernest resolves to persevere despite his inner conflict.
“He could manage the poor better, and, let Pryer sneer as he liked, he was resolved to go more among them, and try the effect of bringing Christ to them if they would not come and seek Christ of themselves.”
Ernest is determined to work directly with the poor, regardless of Pryer's criticism.
Ernest commits to a hands-on approach to his ministry.
“Mrs. Baxter gave a very bad account of Miss Emily Snow, who lodged in the second floor back next to Mr. Holt. Her story was quite different from that of Mrs. Jupp the landlady.”
Mrs. Baxter's description of Miss Snow contradicts Mrs. Jupp's more favorable view.
Conflicting accounts of Miss Snow's character emerge.