# XXVIII explained — The Way of All Flesh

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

## What happens

Ernest Pontifex is taken by his parents to Roughborough School, where he meets Dr. Skinner and his wife. Overwhelmed by the oppressive atmosphere of the school and Dr. Skinner's intimidating library, Ernest breaks down in tears. His parents leave him in the care of the matron, Mrs. Jay, while the narrator reflects on the cruelty of schoolmasters and the lasting impact of such experiences.

## Themes in this chapter

### Education and Indoctrination

Ernest's first day at Roughborough highlights the oppressive and intimidating nature of Victorian schooling, with Dr. Skinner's library and manner symbolizing the weight of institutional authority.

### Hypocrisy of Victorian Morality

Dr. Skinner's self-importance and the superficiality of his learning contrast with the harsh reality of the school environment, reflecting the gap between professed values and actual practice.

## Character check-ins

### Ernest Pontifex

Arrives at Roughborough School, overwhelmed and crying; handed over to Mrs. Jay.

### Theobald Pontifex

Accompanies Ernest to school, bored and uncomfortable during conversation with Dr. Skinner.

### Christina Pontifex

Flattered by Ernest's tears; charmed by Mrs. Skinner during the visit.

### Dr. Skinner

Headmaster of Roughborough; examines Ernest and converses with Theobald on various topics.

### Mrs. Skinner

Shows Christina the bedrooms; described as having seen many Christinas before.

### Mrs. Jay

Matron who takes charge of Ernest for the afternoon.

### Alethea Pontifex

Mentioned for her witty remarks about Dr. Skinner.

## Key lines

> He did not cry on leaving home, but I am afraid he did on being told that he was getting near Roughborough.

Ernest managed not to cry when he left home, but broke down when he learned they were approaching Roughborough.

_Shows Ernest's anxiety about starting school._

> O schoolmasters—if any of you read this book—bear in mind when any particularly timid drivelling urchin is brought by his papa into your study, and you treat him with the contempt which he deserves, and afterwards make his life a burden to him for years—bear in mind that it is exactly in the disguise of such a boy as this that your future chronicler will appear.

The narrator warns schoolmasters that the timid boy they dismiss might one day become the writer who exposes their true character.

_A direct address to the reader, emphasizing the theme of education and its lasting impact._

## Links

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