Toilers of the Sea · Chapter
An Anomaly in the Character of Lethierry explained
This chapter explores Mess Lethierry's deep-seated antipathy toward the clergy, both Catholic and Protestant, which stems from their opposition to his steamboat invention and from his own instinctive dislike.
What happens
This chapter explores Mess Lethierry's deep-seated antipathy toward the clergy, both Catholic and Protestant, which stems from their opposition to his steamboat invention and from his own instinctive dislike. Despite his generally good-natured character, he harbors a prejudice against priests, viewing them as catlike while he is doglike. He makes small concessions for social appearances but remains inwardly resistant, and his irreverent remarks and actions reveal a revolutionary, anti-theological streak influenced by his time in France.
Themes in this chapter
Superstition vs. Progress
Lethierry's conflict with the clergy is framed as a clash between his progressive steamboat invention and the traditional, religious opposition it faced.
Social Class and Reputation
The chapter discusses the social pressure to be 'respectable' and the isolating malignancy of gossip in small towns, which Lethierry navigates with reluctant concessions.
Deception and Moral Ambiguity
Lethierry's character is presented as having a failing—his prejudice—yet he is described as good-natured, illustrating moral complexity and the tension between his antipathy and his concessions.
Characters to notice
- Mess Lethierry
Revealed to have a strong antipathy toward priests, both as an institution and instinctively; his dislike is rooted in their persecution of his steamboat and his own nature.
- Déruchette
Mentioned as accompanying Lethierry to church on rare occasions and as the recipient of his advice not to marry a clergyman.
- Reverend Jaquemin Hérode
Referenced as the preacher of a sermon on eternal punishment that Lethierry attended, prompting Lethierry's remark about God being merciful.
Key passages
“Going to confession he called 'combing one's conscience.'”
He referred to the act of confession as tidying up one's moral failings, implying a dismissive view of the practice.
Illustrates Lethierry's irreverent and mocking attitude toward religious rituals.
“I imagine God as a merciful being.”
After hearing a sermon on eternal punishment, Lethierry expressed his personal belief that God is compassionate rather than vengeful.
Shows his anti-theological and liberal religious views, contrasting with orthodox teachings.
“Marry whom you please, provided you do not marry a parson.”
Lethierry told Déruchette she could choose any husband as long as he was not a clergyman.
Summarizes his deep aversion to the clergy extending to personal relationships.