The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane · Theme
Religion and Hypocrisy
How The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane develops Religion and Hypocrisy.
The book contrasts genuine faith with the empty, self-serving piety of figures like Mr. Broad, showing how religious institutions in Tanner's Lane are used to enforce social conformity and ostracize those who deviate from orthodoxy.
Where it surfaces
- The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane
The excommunication of George Allen exposes the hypocrisy and power dynamics within the Tanner's Lane congregation.
- I: The World Outside
Zachariah's deep religious faith, his belief in predestination, and the contrast with Maitland's profane language and the crowd's misplaced loyalty to a king.
- Outside Pike Street
Zachariah's religious beliefs as an Independent deacon are contrasted with his exposure to the profane world of political activism, causing inner conflict.
- III: The Theatre
The Independents' condemnation of theatre and dancing contrasts with the characters' actual behavior and desires.
- V: The Horizon Widens
Zachariah's Calvinist piety is undermined by his attraction to Pauline, while his wife's concern for the Major's soul is tinged with social propriety rather than genuine evangelism.
- VI: Tea à la Mode
Mrs. Coleman's casuistry over Sunday shopping and Zachariah's inability to apply his doctrine to his friends highlight religious inconsistency.
- VII: Jephthah
Bradshaw's sermon challenges comfortable religiosity, insisting that true election leads to suffering and sacrifice, not ease.
- VIII: Unconventional Justice
Joanna Southcott's failed prophecy and the taunting of Zachariah highlight the tension between religious belief and skepticism.
- IX: A Strain on the Cable
Zachariah's faith is tested; his wife's religious profession contrasts with her behavior, and the Methodist service is depicted as emotionally manipulative.
- XI: Politics and Pauline
Caillaud's veneration of the crucifix and his reinterpretation of Jesus as a revolutionary figure contrast with Zachariah's wife's cold, ritualistic piety.
- XIII: To the Greeks Foolishness
The parson's judgmental response to the weaver, contrasting with the Methodist weaver's faith.
- XIV: The School of Adversity: The Sixth Form Thereof
The workhouse's neglect contrasts with religious pretensions, and Zachariah's crisis of faith is triggered by scientific reading.
- XVII: When Wilt Thou Arise Out of Thy Sleep? Yet a Little Sleep
The chapter contrasts the genuine fervor of the late Reverend Harden with the calculated, self-serving piety of Mr. Broad, who uses religious practices (like suggesting George Allen pray) to manage social and family concerns.
- A Religious Picnic
The picnic is a religious gathering, yet the young people's primary focus is flirtation and romantic intrigue, revealing a gap between pious outward forms and personal desires.
- XIX: “The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like Unto Leaven”
Reverend John Broad's concealed hatred of the Allens, despite their outward piety, highlights hypocrisy within the Dissenting community.
- The Reverend Thomas Broad’s Exposition of Romans 8:7
Thomas Broad's self-congratulation and empty sermonizing contrast with his predatory behavior, exposing the hypocrisy of religious authority.
- XXI: The Wisdom of the Serpent
Mr. Broad's religious rationalizations for permitting the match (e.g., converting uncharitable emotions into brotherly love) mask underlying financial and social motives.
- XXIII: Further Development
Mr. Broad uses scripture to justify his political neutrality, while his real concern is maintaining the support of Brother Bushel, a wealthy contributor.
- XXIV: “I Came Not to Send Peace, but a Sword”
Pauline accuses Mr. Broad of being an ordinary hypocrite, and the chapter explores the gap between religious profession and genuine conviction.
- XXV: “And a Man’s Foes Shall Be They of His Own Household”
The Reverend John Broad's secret inquiries about George and Zachariah's daughter, and the Broad family's spying, reveal the gap between pious profession and manipulative behavior.
- XXVI: A Professional Consultation
The church leaders focus on punishing the Allens for political and personal grievances while ignoring George's genuine spiritual crisis, highlighting the hypocrisy of institutional religion.
- Mr. Broad's Last Church Meeting—Latimer Chapel
The church meeting reveals hypocrisy as Mr. Broad disciplines the Allens for political involvement while the congregation later embraces liberal theology and secular activities, and Thomas Broad's secret is covered up.
