# Harry Zenz — Elmer Gantry character guide

> Harry Zenz in Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Hal

**First appearance:** 0014-chapter-iii

## Who they are

A slick and cynical traveling salesman friend of Elmer's.

## In the story

### [Chapter V: Ordination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-v)

Mentioned as the most confirmed atheist at the seminary.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i)

Mentioned as the most confirmed atheist among the theological students, with whom Elmer has sub rosa conversations.

### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-vi)

The cynical atheist of the group, openly mocks the hypocrisy of preachers, discusses sex crimes among clergy, and admits he entered the ministry for an easy life.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i)

Cynically critiques the clergy, admits to being an atheist, and argues that the Baptist and Methodist churches are havens for numbskulls and realists.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i)

Mentioned as someone who almost frankly hinted he was an atheist, reinforcing Frank's view of clerical hypocrisy.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters/harry_zenz
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters