# Ernest Pontifex — The Way of All Flesh character guide

> Ernest Pontifex in The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Ernest, Mr. Pontifex, Master Ernest, the wretched Ernest, dear Ernest

**First appearance:** 0003-i

## Snapshot

Named for earnestness before he could object, this sensitive Pontifex heir must survive a clergyman father, a pious mother, and his own trusting nature.

## Who they are

Ernest grows up as the family's experiment in moral engineering, absorbing whatever jargon his elders approve and reproducing it as his own. His aunt Alethea watches him with affection and alarm, seeing a boy whose impulsiveness and eager trust in anyone who smiles at him will bring him many rude undeceptions. His slow education in seeing his parents clearly is the engine of the novel's early arc.

## Relationships

### [Ellen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/ellen)

_romantic_

Ernest's first love and the maid who becomes his fiancée, but the relationship is broken by family interference and her hidden past.

### [Mrs. Jupp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_jupp)

_friendship_

Ernest's landlady who offers him shelter and a degree of maternal care, though she is also a gossip and a schemer.

### [Theobald Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/theobald_pontifex)

_family_

Ernest's tyrannical and emotionally abusive father, whose rigid religious discipline causes lifelong trauma.

### [Towneley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/towneley)

_psychological_

Ernest's wealthy, charismatic schoolfellow whom he idolizes and obsessively compares himself to, representing social success he craves.

### [Christina Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/christina_pontifex)

_family_

Ernest's mother, whose sentimental piety and manipulative affection smother him while she remains blind to his suffering.

### [Pryer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/pryer)

_professional_

A fellow clergyman who exploits Ernest's naivety in a fraudulent financial scheme, leading to Ernest's ruin.

### [George Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/george_pontifex)

_family_

Ernest's stern and successful grandfather, whose harshness and materialism set the family's oppressive pattern.

### [Charlotte Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/charlotte_pontifex)

_family_

Ernest's sanctimonious and spiteful sister, who betrays his confidence and embodies the family's moral hypocrisy.

### [Alethea Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/alethea_pontifex)

_family_

Ernest's kind and free-thinking aunt, who becomes his true benefactor and emotional refuge from his parents.

### [Dr. Skinner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/dr_skinner)

_professional_

Ernest's headmaster at Roughborough, a pompous and cruel educator who reinforces Ernest's sense of inadequacy.

### [Mr. Shaw](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mr_shaw)

_friendship_

A fellow prisoner who becomes Ernest's loyal friend and helps him survive his time in jail.

### [Joseph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/joseph)

_professional_

A servant in the Pontifex household who interacts with Ernest during his childhood, representing the class divide.

## In the story

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/iv)

His letter about the Great St. Bernard is quoted as a blunt contrast to his grandfather's effusions.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/vi)

Ernest is not named in this chapter, but as the eventual protagonist and son of Theobald, the patterns of parenting described here foreshadow his own upbringing.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/viii)

Mentioned as the discoverer of the correspondence among his father's papers.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xvii)

Born on September 6, 1835, the long-awaited male heir.

### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xviii)

The infant being christened; named Ernest by his grandfather.

### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xx)

The firstborn son; subjected to severe discipline and early education; feels only fear and shrinking toward his father.

### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxi)

As a young child, he is taught to read and whipped by his father; is the subject of his mother's fantasies and the recipient of a bequest from his grandfather.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxii)

A young child, struggles to pronounce 'come' as 'tum', is beaten by his father for the error.

### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxiii)

Accompanies his father and the narrator to buy eggs; naively asks why the cottager's boy wasn't whipped for breaking an egg, revealing his own harsh upbringing.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxiv)

Recounts childhood memories of his father's tyranny and the incident about natural children.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxv)

The elder son, aged five, to whom the letter is addressed; he receives it years later upon his mother's death.

### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxvi)

Mentioned as a child suffering under the oppressive training of prayers, hymns, and daily beatings.

### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxvii)

Now twelve years old, Ernest has mastered Latin, Greek, arithmetic, Euclid, and French, and is sent to Roughborough School.

### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxviii)

Arrives at Roughborough School, overwhelmed and crying; handed over to Mrs. Jay.

### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxix)

Sits alone in Mrs. Jay's room, consumed by guilt and self-loathing, believing he is bad, ungrateful, and incapable of becoming good or clever like his parents.

### [Ernest at Roughborough](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxx)

Struggles with physical weakness and cowardice at Roughborough; dislikes games and feels isolated; writes a dutiful letter home.

### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxi)

Ernest's inner self urges him to reject his father's teachings; he neglects studies, drinks beer, smokes, and falls into disgrace at school.

### [Alethea's Assessment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxii)

Nearly fourteen, at Roughborough for a year and a half; reveals his home life, mimics Dr. Skinner, and shows a passion for music.

### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxiii)

The nephew whom Alethea hopes to cultivate; he is the object of her plans and the reason for her move.

### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxiv)

Eagerly takes to carpentry and organ-building, showing marked improvement in spirits and appearance under his aunt's care.

### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxv)

Subject of his aunt's concern; she discusses his volatile nature and arranges a trust for his inheritance.

### [Chapter XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxvi)

Writes to his godfather suggesting a Handel fugue for Alethea's epitaph.

### [Chapter XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxvii)

Ernest is depressed after his aunt's death, feels unworthy, idolizes distant boys, and finds solace in music. He brings home a school bill that provokes his father's anger.

### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxviii)

Returns home in disgrace; forms a platonic friendship with Ellen, enjoying morning piano sessions with her; is shocked by her sudden illness and later her dismissal.

### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxix)

Runs after Ellen to give her his possessions and later lies to his parents about losing the watch.

### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xl)

Returns home after losing his watch and purse; endures his mother's sofa interrogation; feels guilty and anxious about the watch and Ellen.

### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xli)

Confronted by his father about the watch he gave to Ellen; confesses the truth; begins to realize his dislike for his parents.

### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xlii)

Interrogated by his parents, faints from the strain, and later learns his watch will be restored with deductions.

### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xliii)

Ernest is the central figure, suffering punishments from Dr. Skinner, confessing to the head boys, participating in the effigy burning, and being confirmed.

### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xliv)

Reflects on his school years, his resistance to authority, and his mixed feelings about leaving Roughborough. He plays the organ, muses on his aunt Alethea, and laughs at his own troubles while looking at the sun.

### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xlv)

Begins at Cambridge, enjoys freedom, wins a scholarship, lives on a £50 allowance, and is content with a quiet social life.

### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xlvi)

Writes a provocative essay on Greek tragedy, feels burdened by his small reputation, and overworks himself to please his father.

### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xlvii)

Returns to Cambridge to read for ordination; still unquestioning of Christianity; dislikes Simeonites and parodies their tract.

### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xlviii)

Ernest is pressured by his mother about becoming a clergyman and about helping his sister Charlotte find a husband. He is uncomfortable with his mother's manipulation and idolizes Towneley, but feels unable to invite him to Battersby.

### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xlix)

Ernest is part of a group of Cambridge students preparing for orders; he attends Mr. Hawke's sermon and is deeply moved.

### [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/l)

Undergoes a religious conversion after Mr. Hawke's sermon, gives up tobacco temporarily, forms a spiritual alliance with Dawson, and writes an impulsive letter to his parents.

### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/li)

Newly ordained and serving as a junior curate in London; feels the step was taken too hurriedly and struggles with doubt.

### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lii)

Ernest listens to Pryer's arguments about spiritual pathology and the clergy's role, feeling both impressed and uneasy.

### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/liii)

Fervently adopts Pryer's ideas, moves into poor lodgings in Ashpit Place, writes letters advocating excommunication and a College of Spiritual Pathology, and considers investing in the Stock Exchange.

### [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/liv)

Moves to a poor neighborhood, becomes self-important, writes letters about his religious mission and scheme with Pryer.

### [LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lv)

Now ordained and living in London; struggling with parish work and financial losses from speculation with Pryer.

### [Chapter LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lvi)

Proposes street preaching to save souls, but is subdued by Pryer's arguments; feels growing malaise and doubt about his clerical role.

### [LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lvii)

Ernest meets Towneley and is shaken out of his recent convictions about the poor, beginning a new reaction against Pryer's influence.

### [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lviii)

Attempts to convert his neighbors, including Mr. Holt, the Baxters, and plans to visit Miss Snow.

### [LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lix)

Ernest attempts to convert the tinker but is humbled by Mr. Shaw's critique of his religious knowledge; he later visits Pryer and reads the Vestiges of Creation, beginning to question his beliefs.

### [LX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lx)

Studies Dean Alford's notes, loses faith, visits Miss Snow, is humiliated by Towneley, then attempts to see Miss Maitland and is arrested.

### [LXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxi)

Arrested for assaulting Miss Maitland; deeply grateful to Towneley for his support; reflects on his earlier blunders as a clergyman.

### [LXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxii)

Sentenced to six months' imprisonment; reveals his financial dealings with Pryer.

### [LXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxiii)

Ernest is the subject of the bad news; his childhood suffering and the systemic failures of his upbringing are reflected upon.

### [LXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxiv)

Sentenced and imprisoned; suffers brain fever; recovers and renounces his faith and clerical life.

### [LXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxv)

Lying ill in prison, Ernest reflects on truth, faith, and the hypocrisy of religious authorities; he attempts to debate Christian evidences with the chaplain but is dismissed.

### [LXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxvi)

Convalescing in prison, learns of his financial ruin, and resolves to cut ties with his parents.

### [LXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxvii)

Resolves to cut ties with parents and become a tailor after losing his money.

### [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxviii)

Decides to become a tailor, learns the trade in prison, and reflects on his past and future.

### [LXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxix)

Ernest is released from prison, confronts his parents, and severs ties with them. He reflects on his changed self and the process of accommodation.

### [LXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxx)

Released from prison, stays with Overton, refuses to see his parents, seeks work as a tailor, and enjoys his newfound liberty.

### [LXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxi)

Recently released from prison, he idealizes Ellen and impulsively decides to marry her, ignoring her troubled past.

### [LXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxii)

Determined to marry Ellen and open a shop; radiant with happiness but stubborn against Overton's advice.

### [LXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxiii)

Settles into married life with Ellen, finds happiness in writing and music, and eventually abandons metaphysical quests for a practical acceptance of his limitations.

### [LXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxiv)

Ernest is unaware of Ellen's alcoholism, attributing her behavior to pregnancy. He takes on all household and shop duties, feeling a vague return of his earlier unhappiness.

### [The Wreck of Hope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxv)

Ernest becomes increasingly burdened by his marriage, realizing his mistake and sinking into despair as Ellen's alcoholism and deceit destroy their life.

### [LXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxvi)

Ernest is in deep despair, struggling financially and emotionally, and is shocked by John's revelation about Ellen.

### [LXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxvii)

Overjoyed to discover his marriage was invalid; feels fortunate and arranges for the children's custody and Ellen's allowance.

### [Chapter LXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxviii)

Now twenty-six, freed from his wife Ellen, and about to inherit a large fortune. He accepts his godfather's offer of £300 a year to manage his own property.

### [LXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxix)

Arranges for his children's upbringing, insists on a poor environment, suffers from nervous prostration, begins recovery through prescribed amusements.

### [Chapter LXXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxx)

Struggles with shame over his imprisonment and decides to cut ties with Towneley; reflects on his treatment of his parents and his preference for Ellen over Calciope; travels through Italy with Overton and returns to England still haunted by disgrace.

### [LXXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxxi)

Struggles with literary rejection, considers returning to shopkeeping, and finally receives his inheritance from his aunt.

### [LXXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxxii)

Returns to Battersby after inheriting £70,000; reconciles with his dying mother and stands up to his father.

### [LXXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxxiii)

Returns to Battersby, reveals his inheritance, comforts his dying mother, and observes family tensions.

### [LXXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxxiv)

Discusses his plans for travel and writing, receives his mother's letter, visits his children, and decides to let them choose their own paths.

### [LXXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxxv)

Now about thirty-two, settles in London, writes steadily, publishes a book of essays, and later produces a series of provocative works.

### [LXXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxxvi)

Now 47, unmarried, wealthy from shares, lives in the Temple, travels frequently, and continues his literary work despite critical misunderstanding.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/ernest_pontifex
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters