Gender and Sexuality

Where it surfaces

• V

  Elmer's predatory pursuit of Juanita and the casual objectification of women highlight the era's gender dynamics and sexual double standards.

• Chapter VII

  Elmer's predatory pursuit of Lulu reflects the power dynamics between male clergy and young women in the congregation.

• III

  Elmer's calculated flirtation and assessment of Lulu's innocence highlight the gendered dynamics of pursuit and the exploitation of her naivete.

• IV

  The power dynamic between Elmer, a male preacher, and Lulu, a young woman, highlights gendered expectations and sexual predation.

• V

  The chapter explores the tension between Elmer's predatory sexuality and Frank's protective concern for Lulu, reflecting gender dynamics and sexual morality.

• VII

  Elmer's predatory pursuit of Lulu, his objectification of her body, and the social constraints on her behavior highlight the intersection of gender roles and repressed sexuality.

• Chapter VIII

  The power dynamic between Elmer and Lulu highlights gendered expectations of purity and the exploitation of female sympathy.

• IX

  Elmer's predatory sexuality and Lulu's vulnerability highlight the power imbalance and double standards of the era.

• IV

  Elmer's physical reaction to Lulu Bains and Frank's fear of an affair highlight the sexual tensions and gender dynamics within the religious community.

• Chapter IX

  Lulu's desires are portrayed as a burden to Elmer, and her sexuality is used against her to enforce a marriage, reflecting double standards of the era.

• Chapter III

  Lulu's desperation and Elmer's exploitation highlight the power imbalance and double standards in sexual relationships during this era.

• IV

  Lulu Bains is subjected to scrutiny and confrontation about her relationship with Elmer, reflecting gendered expectations and the control of female sexuality in a religious community.

• V

  Elmer's predatory behavior toward Lulu, including sneaking into her bedroom after the engagement, highlights the exploitation of women under the guise of religious propriety.

• I

  Elmer's sexual attraction to Sharon is intertwined with his professional ambition, and his skepticism about a woman preaching highlights contemporary gender biases.

• Chapter XII

  Sharon exerts sexual and spiritual dominance over Elmer, while their relationship oscillates between intimacy and control.

• I

  The power dynamics in Elmer and Sharon's relationship, her control over intimacy, and her comments on 'big vices' highlight themes of sexuality and gender roles.

• III

  The power dynamics in Elmer and Sharon's relationship blend sexual tension with spiritual dominance, as she controls their intimacy and his transformation.

• IV

  The dynamic between Elmer's romantic pursuit and Sharon's strategic celibacy highlights the intersection of gender roles, sexuality, and religious vocation.

• I

  Elmer's wandering eye toward Lily Anderson while in a relationship with Sharon highlights his sexual hypocrisy.

• IV

  Sharon's power over Elmer is undercut by her emotional vulnerability and need for his affection, highlighting gendered dynamics in their relationship.

• Chapter XIX

  Cleo Benham's idealized purity and Elmer's predatory thoughts about Jane Clark illustrate the tensions between religious virtue and sexual desire.

• III

  Cleo's role as a 'helpmate' and her restrained purity contrast with Elmer's pragmatic view of marriage, highlighting gender expectations and the tension between spiritual ideals and physical desire.

• V

  Cleo's trance-like submission and Elmer's soft touch hint at the intertwining of spiritual authority and sexual tension.

• I

  Elmer's conflicted feelings about marriage and his lack of sexual stirring toward Cleo, contrasted with his self-image as a 'quick worker' with women.

• II

  Cleo's vulnerability and longing contrast with Elmer's dominating, possessive behavior, highlighting gender dynamics.

• IV

  The dynamic between Elmer and Cleo illustrates traditional gender roles and power imbalances, with Elmer asserting dominance and Cleo deferring to his strength.

• V

  The chapter starkly portrays the power imbalance in marriage, with Elmer's coercion and Cleo's fearful submission highlighting gendered expectations of female passivity and male dominance.

• Chapter VIII

  Elmer's attraction to the Widow Clark and his conflicted feelings toward Cleo highlight his struggle with marital fidelity and sexual temptation.

• I

  The marital conflict highlights Elmer's entitled view of sex and Cleo's lack of passion, leading to separate bedrooms and his search for comfort elsewhere.

• Chapter XXV

  Elmer's attraction to Beryl Gilson and Lulu Bains highlights the tension between his public piety and private desires.

• I

  Elmer's attraction to Beryl Gilson and his struggle to restrain himself highlight the tension between his sexual desires and his role as a pastor.

• Chapter II

  Lulu's attraction to Elmer is heightened by his status as a minister, and Elmer exploits this dynamic for his own desires.

• III

  The chapter explores the double standards and secret sexual relationships within a religious context, with Elmer rationalizing his infidelity.

• IX

  Elmer's dismissive attitude toward Cleo and his longing for Lulu highlight his objectification of women.

• Chapter XXXI

  Elmer's manipulation of Lulu Bains and his affair with Hettie Dowler highlight the exploitation of women in his pursuit of pleasure and power.

• VIII

  Elmer's resentment of his wife's expectations and his secret affair with Hettie Dowler highlight gendered power dynamics and marital hypocrisy.

• I

  The clandestine relationship between Elmer and Hettie highlights the tension between public piety and private desire.