The Way of All Flesh · Chapter
XVII explained
Christina gives birth to a son, Ernest Pontifex, on September 6, 1835.
What happens
Christina gives birth to a son, Ernest Pontifex, on September 6, 1835. Old Mr. Pontifex rejoices at the birth of a male heir and prepares to visit Battersby, accidentally spilling water from the Jordan he had saved for the baptism. He salvages half a pint and makes preparations for the visit, including consulting his solicitors.
Themes in this chapter
Heredity and Environment
Old Mr. Pontifex's anxiety about a male heir and his delight at Ernest's birth highlight the importance of biological lineage and inheritance.
Money and Social Class
The contrast between Elmhurst and Woburn Square, and the grandfather's preparations of hampers and consultation with solicitors, underscore class and financial concerns.
Characters to notice
- Christina Pontifex
Safely delivered of a boy, Ernest, at the beginning of the fifth year of her married life.
- Theobald Pontifex
Father of the newborn; his wife Christina has given birth to a son.
- George Pontifex
Old Mr. Pontifex, delighted at the birth of a grandson, prepares to visit Battersby and accidentally spills the baptismal water from the Jordan.
- Ernest Pontifex
Born on September 6, 1835, the long-awaited male heir.
- Gelstrap
Butler to old Mr. Pontifex; helps salvage the spilled water from the Jordan and receives a month's warning after the accident.
- John Pontifex
Mentioned as having only daughters, causing dismay in Woburn Square at the birth of Ernest.
Key passages
“At the beginning of the fifth year of her married life Christina was safely delivered of a boy. This was on the sixth of September 1835.”
In the fifth year of her marriage, Christina gave birth to a son on September 6, 1835.
Announces the birth of Ernest Pontifex.
“Word was immediately sent to old Mr. Pontifex, who received the news with real pleasure.”
Old Mr. Pontifex was promptly informed and was genuinely pleased.
Highlights the grandfather's joy at the birth.
“It’s water from the Jordan,” he exclaimed furiously, “which I have been saving for the baptism of my eldest grandson.”
He angrily declared that the spilled liquid was water from the Jordan, saved for his eldest grandson's baptism.
Reveals the significance of the spilled water.