The Way of All Flesh · Chapter
XVI explained
The chapter describes the married life of Theobald and Christina Pontifex, highlighting their domestic routines, Theobald's lack of occupation and his temper, Christina's management of the household and her husband, and their mutual content
What happens
The chapter describes the married life of Theobald and Christina Pontifex, highlighting their domestic routines, Theobald's lack of occupation and his temper, Christina's management of the household and her husband, and their mutual contentment despite the absence of children. It also touches on Theobald's reputation in the parish and his habits of study and gardening.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy of Victorian Morality
Theobald is outwardly respected as a paragon of virtue, but inwardly he is irritable, lacks genuine piety, and performs religious duties mechanically.
Money and Social Class
The chapter details Theobald's income, Christina's careful budgeting, and the social reputation built on financial propriety and appearances.
Heredity and Environment
Theobald's character and habits are shaped by his upbringing and environment, including his father's influence and the isolated life at Battersby.
Characters to notice
- Theobald Pontifex
Shown as a rector who hates visiting the sick, lacks occupation, has a violent temper, and occupies himself with making a Harmony of the Bible and collecting a hortus siccus.
- Christina Pontifex
Portrayed as a devoted wife who manages the household, humors Theobald's temper, and is scrupulous about money, though she later falls into minor debt.
- George Pontifex
Mentioned as having used his interest to get Theobald mentioned in the Saturday Magazine for finding a plant.
Key passages
“He does not like this branch of his profession—indeed he hates it—but will not admit it to himself. The habit of not admitting things to himself has become a confirmed one with him.”
Theobald despises visiting the sick but refuses to acknowledge this, having developed a pattern of self-deception.
Highlights Theobald's internal conflict and self-deception regarding his clerical duties.
“A hard and drawn look begins to settle about the corners of his mouth, so that even if he were not in a black coat and white tie a child might know him for a parson.”
Theobald's facial expression becomes stern and parson-like, marking him outwardly as a clergyman.
Illustrates how Theobald's profession physically marks him, reflecting his inner discontent.
“Who so integer vitae scelerisque purus, it was asked, as Mr. Pontifex of Battersby?”
People praised Theobald as a man of blameless life and pure character.
Shows the public perception of Theobald as morally upright, contrasting with his private reality.