The Way of All Flesh · Chapter
LXXXVI explained
The narrator brings the story to a close, set in the autumn of 1882.
What happens
The narrator brings the story to a close, set in the autumn of 1882. Ernest Pontifex is now 47, unmarried, and wealthy from his London and North Western shares. He lives in the Temple and travels frequently. Mrs. Jupp is very old but still managing her finances with her weekly flat iron ritual. Ernest visits Dr. Skinner and Miss Skinner, engaging in a conversation about music, and later reconciles with the aging Dr. Skinner before his death. The chapter reflects on Ernest's relationship with his father Theobald, who has died, and notes that Ernest inherited nothing under his will. The narrator, Mr. Overton, reflects on his own role as a father figure to Ernest and on Ernest's literary career, which is often misunderstood by critics.
Themes in this chapter
Money and Social Class
Ernest's wealth from shares and his refusal to marry or own a house highlight the theme of financial independence and its social implications.
Self-Discovery and Authenticity
Ernest remains true to his own writing style despite public and critical disapproval, reflecting his commitment to authenticity.
Hypocrisy of Victorian Morality
Theobald's public piety and private resentment toward Ernest, along with the auction of his life's work for ninepence, expose the emptiness of his moral posturing.
Characters to notice
- Ernest Pontifex
Now 47, unmarried, wealthy from shares, lives in the Temple, travels frequently, and continues his literary work despite critical misunderstanding.
- Mrs. Jupp
Very old, still living in the same house, managing her finances with a weekly flat iron ritual, and occasionally visiting the narrator.
- Dr. Skinner
Now Dean of something, hosts Ernest for lunch, engages in a conversation about music, and dies a month or two after their meeting.
- Miss Skinner
Dr. Skinner's daughter, shows a strong family likeness to her father, discusses music with Ernest at lunch.
- Theobald Pontifex
Deceased; his effects were sold at auction, and his will left nothing to Ernest. He is remembered for his difficult relationship with Ernest.
- Charlotte Pontifex
Married, lives near Dover, occasionally invites Ernest with a de haut en bas tone in her letters.
- Joseph
Married with a family, rarely interacts with Ernest, and was fiercer in his dislike of their father than Ernest.
- Mr. Overton
The narrator, now 80 years old, reflects on his relationship with Ernest as a son and more than a son, and on Ernest's books.
Key passages
“I know no exception to the rule that it is cheaper to buy milk than to keep a cow.”
Ernest believes it is more economical to pay for services as needed than to maintain a permanent household.
Reflects Ernest's practical and independent lifestyle, avoiding the burdens of home ownership.
“He is one of those unfortunate men, each one of whose books is sneered at by literary critics as soon as it comes out, but becomes 'excellent reading' as soon as it has been followed by a later work”
Ernest's books are initially criticized but later appreciated after his next publication.
Highlights the recurring pattern of critical misunderstanding and delayed recognition of Ernest's literary work.
“It often happens that if the son is right, the father is wrong, and the father is not going to have this if he can help it.”
Fathers often resist admitting their sons are right, even when they are.
Summarizes the persistent conflict between Ernest and Theobald, rooted in pride and incompatibility.
