# LX explained — The Way of All Flesh

> Chapter companion for The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler.

## What happens

Ernest, after studying Dean Alford's notes on the Resurrection and finding them unconvincing, struggles with his faith and his attraction to Miss Snow. He visits her room but is interrupted by Towneley, who humiliates him. In his confusion, Ernest then attempts to see Miss Maitland, leading to a disastrous encounter that results in his arrest by police.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion and Doubt

Ernest's study of Dean Alford's notes leads him to question the Resurrection, marking a crisis of faith.

### Hypocrisy of Victorian Morality

Ernest's attempt to convert Miss Snow while being tempted by her, and his subsequent arrest, highlight the hypocrisy of Victorian moral standards.

### Self-Discovery and Authenticity

Ernest's internal conflict and his rejection of the Bible symbolize his struggle to find his true self amid societal and religious pressures.

## Character check-ins

### Ernest Pontifex

Studies Dean Alford's notes, loses faith, visits Miss Snow, is humiliated by Towneley, then attempts to see Miss Maitland and is arrested.

### Mrs. Jupp

Informs Ernest that Miss Snow would like to see him; later involved in the incident leading to Ernest's arrest.

### Miss Snow

A prostitute living in Mrs. Jupp's house; Ernest visits her but is interrupted by Towneley.

### Towneley

Bursts into Miss Snow's room, finds Ernest there, and laughs heartily after Ernest leaves.

### Miss Maitland

Another prostitute in the house; Ernest attempts to see her after being humiliated by Towneley.

### Eliza Allaby

Mentioned as the aunt who gave Ernest the Bible he kicks into a corner.

## Key lines

> He did not care which result he should arrive at, but he was resolved that he would reach one or the other.

Ernest was indifferent to the outcome but determined to reach a definite conclusion.

_Reflects Ernest's determination to resolve his religious doubts._

> It fell over on to the floor, and he kicked it into a corner. It was the Bible given him at his christening by his affectionate aunt, Elizabeth Allaby.

Ernest knocked the Bible to the floor and kicked it aside; it was a gift from his aunt.

_Symbolizes Ernest's rejection of his Christian upbringing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters