Elmer Gantry · Chapter
Chapter XI explained
Elmer Gantry, now a traveling salesman for the Pequot Company, reflects on his life and his longing to return to preaching.
What happens
Elmer Gantry, now a traveling salesman for the Pequot Company, reflects on his life and his longing to return to preaching. He encounters Eddie Fislinger's church and later attends a revival meeting led by the charismatic Sharon Falconer, where he is captivated by her presence and resolves to join her evangelistic team.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Elmer’s public vindication through Hettie’s confession and the immediate offers of prestigious positions mark…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Manipulation and Showmanship in Evangelism
Elmer's speech is crafted with structure and emotional manipulation, and Sharon Falconer's revival meeting is a theatrical performance designed to captivate the audience.
- Ambition and the Pursuit of Power
Elmer's desire to return to preaching and his determination to win Sharon Falconer reflect his ambition for power and influence.
- Hypocrisy and Corruption in Religion
Elmer's burlesque sermons and his critical view of other ministers highlight the hypocrisy within religious circles.
Characters to notice
- Elmer Gantry
Now a traveling salesman, Elmer feels a growing desire to return to preaching and is captivated by Sharon Falconer.
- Eddie Fislinger
Elmer encounters Eddie Fislinger, now a pastor in a small Kansas town, and recalls their past.
- Sharon Falconer
Sharon Falconer leads a revival meeting, captivating Elmer with her presence and preaching.
- Cecil Aylston
Cecil Aylston, Sharon's first assistant, reads the Scripture lesson and dismisses Elmer's advances.
Key passages
“Elmer Gantry was twenty-eight and for two years he had been a traveling salesman for the Pequot Company.”
At twenty-eight, Elmer had spent two years as a traveling salesman for the Pequot Company.
Establishes Elmer's current occupation and age.
“He was going to have Sharon Falconer.”
He resolved to win Sharon Falconer for himself.
Highlights Elmer's immediate goal and attraction to Sharon.
