# XVII explained — The Way of All Flesh

> Chapter companion for The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters