# How does The Uncalled develop the theme of Hypocrisy and Religion?

> The Uncalled by Paul Laurence Dunbar

## Answer

The Uncalled by Paul Laurence Dunbar develops Hypocrisy and Religion across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The book critiques organized religion's narrowness and hypocrisy, as seen in Miss Prime's rigid piety, Mr. Simpson's manipulative sermons, and the community's judgmental attitude toward Fred's background.

Miss Prime's self-righteousness and the women's gossip reveal the gap between professed Christian duty and actual compassion.

The congregation gossips about Margaret's backsliding and the propriety of her funeral, while the preacher delivers a noisy, inconsequential sermon that manipulates emotions.

Miss Prime frames her decision to take Fred as a religious duty, yet her stern demeanor and the women's mixed reactions hint at underlying hypocrisy and self-interest.

## Evidence

- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/i.md): Miss Prime's self-righteousness and the women's gossip reveal the gap between professed Christian duty and actual compassion.
- [ii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/ii.md): The congregation gossips about Margaret's backsliding and the propriety of her funeral, while the preacher delivers a noisy, inconsequential sermon that manipulates emotions.
- [iii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/iii.md): Miss Prime frames her decision to take Fred as a religious duty, yet her stern demeanor and the women's mixed reactions hint at underlying hypocrisy and self-interest.
- [v](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/v.md): Miss Prime's stern piety contrasts with Eliphalet Hodges' more indulgent approach, both invoking religious duty while differing on what that means for raising a child.
- [vi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/vi.md): The church's harsh judgment of Fred's laughter while adults like Daniel Hastings use testimonies for personal vendettas.
- [vii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/vii.md): The religious figures manipulate Fred into performing conversion for social conformity, while Fred's authentic inner life—his love and awakening—is suppressed by the very piety they enforce.
- [viii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/viii.md): Miss Prime's plan to make Fred a preacher reflects a utilitarian view of religion, while Eliphalet notes that Old Bess 'lived the life' better than most professing Christians.
- [ix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/ix.md): Miss Prime uses religion to enforce her will, while the gossips question the sincerity of forcing Fred into the ministry.

## Links

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