Chapter XXXVII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Parental Tyranny and Filial Rebellion

  Theobald's harsh letter and cross-examination of Ernest's school bill exemplify parental control, while Ernest's secret sales of schoolbooks for music show his quiet rebellion.

• Hypocrisy of Victorian Morality

  Theobald and Christina's outrage at Alethea's will contrasts with their earlier expectations of inheritance, revealing self-interest beneath moral posturing.

• Self-Discovery and Authenticity

  Ernest finds genuine happiness and identity in music at St. Michael's church, an oasis from the oppressive school and family environment.

Characters to notice

• Ernest Pontifex

  Ernest is depressed after his aunt's death, feels unworthy, idolizes distant boys, and finds solace in music. He brings home a school bill that provokes his father's anger.

• Theobald Pontifex

  Theobald is angry about Alethea's will, writes a harsh letter to Ernest forbidding his hobbies, and cross-examines him about the school bill.

• Christina Pontifex

  Christina is disappointed by the will, considers legal action, and indulges in a reverie about the Lord Chancellor.

• Alethea Pontifex

  Alethea is deceased; her will leaves everything to Mr. Overton, causing family resentment.

• Mr. Overton

  Mr. Overton is the beneficiary of Alethea's will, inheriting her entire fortune.

• Dr. Skinner

  Dr. Skinner is the headmaster who writes the critical school report and questions Ernest about his solemn demeanor.

Key passages

• “This time Theobald had made a great fuss about the extras, but had grudgingly passed them; it was another matter, however, with the character and the moral statistics, with which the bill concluded.”

  Theobald reluctantly approved the extra charges but was far more concerned with the report on Ernest's conduct and moral standing.

  Highlights Theobald's focus on moral judgment over practical expenses.

• “He would sometimes 'write in' for articles necessary for his education, such as a portfolio, or a dictionary, and sell the same, as I have explained, in order to eke out his pocket money, probably to buy either music or tobacco.”

  Ernest would order school supplies and then sell them to get extra money for music or tobacco.

  Illustrates Ernest's small deceptions to fund his personal interests.

• “I think Theobald must have had an idea that there was something behind the bequest to me, but he said nothing about it to Christina.”

  Theobald suspected that the inheritance to Mr. Overton had hidden motives, but he kept this suspicion from Christina.

  Shows Theobald's private distrust and strategic silence.

• “It is so mean of people,' he exclaimed to himself, 'to inflict an injury of this sort, and then shirk facing those whom they have injured; let us hope that, at any rate, they and I may meet in Heaven.'”

  Theobald felt that Alethea had wronged him and then avoided confrontation, hoping for divine justice.

  Reveals Theobald's self-righteous anger and religious framing of grievance.

• “He rose, in spite of himself, higher in the school, but fell ever into deeper and deeper disgrace with the masters, and did not gain in the opinion of those boys about whom he was persuaded that they could assuredly never know what it was to have a secret weighing upon their minds.”

  Ernest advanced academically but lost favor with teachers and felt alienated from the boys he admired, believing they could not understand his inner turmoil.

  Captures Ernest's isolation and the gap between external success and internal despair.