The Way of All Flesh · Chapter
Chapter VIII explained
Theobald Pontifex, having completed his degree at Cambridge, faces the prospect of ordination into the clergy.
What happens
Theobald Pontifex, having completed his degree at Cambridge, faces the prospect of ordination into the clergy. He writes to his father expressing doubts about his calling, leading to a tense correspondence. George Pontifex responds sternly, accusing his son of morbid sensitivity and threatening to cut off financial support. Ultimately, Theobald capitulates, is ordained in 1825, and secures a fellowship shortly after.
Themes in this chapter
Parental Tyranny and Filial Rebellion
Theobald's attempt to resist ordination is met with his father's coercive response, illustrating the power dynamics and emotional manipulation within the family.
Hypocrisy of Victorian Morality
Theobald's internal conflict between genuine doubt and the pressure to conform to societal and familial expectations highlights the era's religious hypocrisy.
Money and Social Class
George Pontifex uses financial control as leverage to enforce his will, underscoring the role of money in maintaining social and familial order.
Characters to notice
- Theobald Pontifex
Writes letters expressing doubt about ordination, ultimately submits to his father's will and is ordained.
- George Pontifex
Responds harshly to Theobald's doubts, threatens to cut off funds, and insists on ordination.
- Ernest Pontifex
Mentioned as the discoverer of the correspondence among his father's papers.
Key passages
“I do not like opening up a question which has been considered settled, but as the time approaches I begin to be very doubtful how far I am fitted to be a clergyman.”
Theobald hesitates to revisit a settled matter but admits growing uncertainty about his suitability for the clergy as ordination nears.
Reveals Theobald's internal struggle and fear of confronting his father.
“You shall not receive a single sixpence from me till you come to your senses.”
George Pontifex threatens to cut off all financial support unless Theobald abandons his doubts.
Demonstrates George's use of economic coercion to enforce obedience.
“In the end Theobald got his fellowship by a stroke of luck very soon after taking his degree, and was ordained in the autumn of the same year, 1825.”
Theobald secured a fellowship through good fortune shortly after graduating and was ordained later that year.
Summarizes the resolution of Theobald's crisis and his compliance with his father's wishes.