The Way of All Flesh · Chapter
LXXI explained
Ernest, recently released from prison, encounters Ellen, the former housemaid dismissed by his mother eight years earlier.
What happens
Ernest, recently released from prison, encounters Ellen, the former housemaid dismissed by his mother eight years earlier. After initial hesitation, they reconnect over a meal of tripe and onions, and Ernest, idealizing Ellen as a fallen angel, impulsively proposes that they live together and marry, ignoring the signs of her alcoholism and criminal past.
Themes in this chapter
The Nature of Virtue and Vice
Ernest's idealization of Ellen as a 'fallen angel' and his own sense of fallenness challenge conventional moral categories.
Self-Discovery and Authenticity
Ernest's impulsive decision to marry Ellen reflects his search for genuine connection and identity outside societal norms.
Hypocrisy of Victorian Morality
Ellen's fond memories of Battersby contrast with the harsh reality of her dismissal and subsequent fall, highlighting moral hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- Ernest Pontifex
Recently released from prison, he idealizes Ellen and impulsively decides to marry her, ignoring her troubled past.
- Ellen
Former housemaid at Battersby, now fallen into poverty and alcoholism; she re-encounters Ernest and shares a meal with him.
- Mrs. Jupp
Ernest considers visiting her for advice but the meeting is postponed when he meets Ellen.
- Theobald Pontifex
Mentioned by Ellen with fondness, though Ernest has quarreled with him.
- Christina Pontifex
Mentioned by Ellen with affection; Ernest's mother who dismissed Ellen years ago.
Key passages
“When people get it into their heads that they are being specially favoured by the Almighty, they had better as a general rule mind their p’s and q’s, and when they think they see the devil’s drift with more special clearness, let them remember that he has had much more experience than they have, and is probably meditating mischief.”
The narrator warns that believing oneself divinely favored is dangerous, as the devil's cunning may lead one into a trap.
Narrator's ironic commentary on Ernest's self-deception regarding his meeting with Ellen.
“To him she appeared a very angel dropped from the sky, and all the more easy to get on with for being a fallen one.”
Ernest sees Ellen as a heavenly being, made more approachable by her moral fall.
Highlights Ernest's romantic idealization and naivety about Ellen's true condition.
“I think the devil must have chuckled and made tolerably sure of his game this time.”
The narrator suggests that Ernest's impulsive decision to marry Ellen plays into the devil's hands.
Closing ironic remark foreshadowing potential disaster from Ernest's rash choice.