# XXII explained — The Way of All Flesh

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

## What happens

The narrator, Mr. Overton, recalls visiting Battersby when Ernest and his siblings were young. He observes the children's innocence, their mother Christina's disappointment in their lack of genius, and the harsh Sunday discipline imposed by Theobald. The chapter culminates in a painful scene where Theobald beats Ernest for being unable to pronounce 'come' correctly.

## Themes in this chapter

### Parental Tyranny and Filial Rebellion

Theobald's harsh punishment of Ernest for a minor speech impediment exemplifies parental tyranny and the child's powerless rebellion.

### Hypocrisy of Victorian Morality

Theobald's anger and beating of Ernest contrast with the family's pious Sunday hymns and prayers.

### Education and Indoctrination

The children are taught religious doctrine and strict Sabbath rules, while Christina laments their lack of genius, reflecting conflicting educational ideals.

## Character check-ins

### Ernest Pontifex

A young child, struggles to pronounce 'come' as 'tum', is beaten by his father for the error.

### Theobald Pontifex

Ernest's father, strict and angry on Sunday evenings, beats Ernest for mispronunciation.

### Christina Pontifex

Ernest's mother, expresses disappointment that her children are not geniuses.

### Mr. Overton

The narrator and godfather, observes the family dynamics and is amused by the children's innocence.

### Joseph

Ernest's brother, can pronounce 'come' correctly, used as a contrast by Theobald.

## Key lines

> We can't get sweeties for all this money; we can get sweeties for this, and for this, but we cannot get them for all this.

Ernest explains that the coins can buy sweets individually but not together, showing his early logical reasoning.

_Illustrates Ernest's childhood innocence and developing understanding of money._

> I do say tum.

Ernest insists he said 'come' correctly, though he actually said 'tum'.

_Highlights the communication breakdown and Theobald's impatience._

> I have sent him up to bed, and now, Christina, I think we will have the servants in to prayers.

After beating Ernest, Theobald calmly proceeds with family prayers, showing his rigid piety.

_Demonstrates the hypocrisy of Victorian religious practice juxtaposed with cruelty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxii
- 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