Elmer gantry

The struggles of faith and transition in early 20th century america

Sinclair Lewis

580 pages, parution le 13/05/2023

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Résumé

"Elmer Gantry" by Sinclair Lewis is a satirical exploration of religious fervor and personal transformation in early 20th century America. The novel follows the life of Elmer Gantry, a charismatic and robust young man attending Terwillinger College in Kansas. Elmer is a football hero, known for his boisterous personality and lack of academic interest. Despite his popularity, he is not genuinely liked, as his self-centered nature and demand for attention alienate those around him. His only true friend is Jim Lefferts, a skeptical and intellectually curious student who challenges Elmer's superficial views. The narrative begins with Elmer's drunken escapades and his unexpected involvement in a religious street meeting led by Eddie Fislinger, a fervent Y. M. C. A. initiative. Elmer's defense of Eddie against hecklers is misinterpreted as a religious awakening, sparking a campaign among the college's religious community to convert him. Despite his initial resistance, Elmer is haunted by memories of his religious upbringing and the influence of his devout mother, who dreams of him becoming a preacher. As the story unfolds, Elmer's internal conflict between his hedonistic desires and the pressure to conform to religious expectations becomes apparent. The novel critiques the hypocrisy and manipulation within religious institutions, as well as the societal pressures that shape individual destinies. Through Elmer's journey, Lewis examines themes of faith, transformation, and the search for identity in a rapidly changing world.