Elmer Gantry · Chapter
Chapter XXXIII explained
Elmer Gantry faces a blackmail scandal when Hettie Dowler and her husband Oscar accuse him of alienation of affections.
What happens
Elmer Gantry faces a blackmail scandal when Hettie Dowler and her husband Oscar accuse him of alienation of affections. With the help of T. J. Rigg and detective Pete Reese, they uncover Hettie's criminal past and force her to sign a confession recanting the charges. Elmer is publicly vindicated, receives telegrams of support from the Yorkville Methodist Church and the Napap, and is greeted with a triumphant ovation from his congregation. In his prayer of thanks, he vows to lead a moral crusade, though he quickly notices an attractive new singer in the choir.
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 Rising action.
- 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
- Hypocrisy and Corruption in Religion
Elmer's public prayer of purity and moral crusade is immediately undercut by his noticing a new female singer, exposing his hypocrisy.
- Manipulation and Showmanship in Evangelism
Elmer and T. J. Rigg manipulate the scandal by forcing a false confession and staging a public display of repentance and vindication.
- Critique of Religious Institutions
The church's rapid acceptance of Elmer's innocence and the congregation's emotional ovation critique the gullibility and herd mentality of religious institutions.
Characters to notice
- Elmer Gantry
Faces blackmail scandal; is vindicated by Hettie's forced confession; receives ovation from congregation; vows moral reform but notices a new singer.
- Hettie Dowler
Blackmails Elmer with her husband; forced to sign a confession recanting charges after her criminal past is exposed.
- Oscar Dowler
Hettie's husband; participates in blackmail scheme; forced to sign corroboration of Hettie's confession.
- T. J. Rigg
Arranges for detective Pete Reese to expose Hettie's past; orchestrates the confession and settlement.
- Mannie Silverhorn
Lawyer involved in the blackmail negotiations; comments on the overdone confession.
- Cleo Benham
Elmer's wife; initially supports him and is relieved by his vindication.
Key passages
“I hereby voluntarily swear that all charges against the Reverend Dr. Elmer Gantry made directly or by implication by myself and husband are false, wicked, and absolutely unfounded.”
Hettie signs a statement declaring that all accusations against Elmer are lies.
This forced confession is the key to Elmer's public vindication.
“They rose and cheered—cheered—cheered. Theirs were the shining faces of friends.”
The congregation gives Elmer a standing ovation, showing their unwavering support.
The crowd's reaction demonstrates Elmer's successful manipulation of public opinion.
“He turned to include the choir, and for the first time he saw that there was a new singer, a girl with charming ankles and lively eyes, with whom he would certainly have to become well acquainted.”
During his prayer of moral renewal, Elmer notices an attractive new choir member and plans to pursue her.
This moment underscores Elmer's hypocrisy and inability to reform.
