# Theobald Pontifex — The Way of All Flesh character guide > Theobald Pontifex in The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Theobald, Dear Theobald, the Rev. Theobald Pontifex, the inexorable Theobald **First appearance:** 0003-i ## Snapshot Ernest's father, a clergyman whose dignity is a performance and whose punishments are bookkeeping, deducting shillings from a boy's pocket money. ## Who they are Theobald rules his household with cold correctness, restoring Ernest's watch while charging him for it in installments and keeping him closer to his holiday task as substitute for real reckoning. He is the sort of man whose noblest gesture is a refusal to act, and whose son learns to hate him with cordial, active clarity. His small tyrannies over money and merit money are the training ground for Ernest's long rebellion. ## Relationships ### [Ernest Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/ernest_pontifex) _family_ Ernest's tyrannical and emotionally abusive father, whose rigid religious discipline causes lifelong trauma. ### [Christina Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/christina_pontifex) _family_ Husband and wife in a loveless, hypocritical marriage built on shared religious pretense and mutual emotional repression. ### [Mrs. Jupp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_jupp) _social_ Acquaintances through Ernest's lodgings, with Mrs. Jupp providing a mocking, lower-class contrast to Theobald's clerical dignity. ### [George Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/george_pontifex) _family_ Father and son, with George imposing a harsh, unfeeling upbringing that Theobald later replicates with his own children. ### [Ernest Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/ernest_pontifex) _family_ Ernest's tyrannical and emotionally abusive father, whose rigid religious discipline causes lifelong trauma. ### [Christina Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/christina_pontifex) _family_ Husband and wife in a loveless, hypocritical marriage built on shared religious pretense and mutual emotional repression. ### [Mrs. Jupp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_jupp) _social_ Acquaintances through Ernest's lodgings, with Mrs. Jupp providing a mocking, lower-class contrast to Theobald's clerical dignity. ### [Ernest Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/ernest_pontifex) _family_ Ernest's tyrannical and emotionally abusive father, whose rigid religious discipline causes lifelong trauma. ### [Christina Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/christina_pontifex) _family_ Husband and wife in a loveless, hypocritical marriage built on shared religious pretense and mutual emotional repression. ### [George Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/george_pontifex) _family_ Father and son, with George imposing a harsh, unfeeling upbringing that Theobald later replicates with his own children. ### [George Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/george_pontifex) _family_ Father and son, with George imposing a harsh, unfeeling upbringing that Theobald later replicates with his own children. ## In the story ### [The Way of All Flesh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/the-way-of-all-flesh) The son of George Pontifex, subjected to a repressive upbringing, later attends Cambridge and marries Christina Allaby. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/i) Not directly present in the chapter, but the narrator's father is the rector of Paleham, and the Pontifex family is introduced. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/iii) One of the five Pontifex grandchildren visiting Paleham; born in 1802; remembered for beating his nurse and teasing her. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/iv) Inherits two copies of Italian paintings from his father and defends them as evidence of his father's taste. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as George's second son, described as idle and at times far from truthful, causing his father unease. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/vi) Theobald is one of the sons subjected to his father's lectures and thrashings, though the chapter notes the Pontifex children were relatively fortunate compared to others. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/vii) Theobald is depicted as timid, reserved, and indolent, silently acquiescing to his father's plan for him to become a clergyman, with no real power to oppose. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/viii) Writes letters expressing doubt about ordination, ultimately submits to his father's will and is ordained. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/ix) Discussed as a potential candidate for a curate position and as a husband for one of the Allaby daughters. ### [Theobald's Courtship and the Allaby Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/x) Theobald, a shy and inexperienced clergyman, is the target of a matrimonial scheme by the Allaby family and Mrs. Cowey. He is awkward with women but begins to feel appreciated by the Allabys. ### [The Courtship of Theobald and Christina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xi) Theobald is the hesitant suitor, coached by his pupil and manipulated by the Allaby family. He eventually proposes via letter, inventing a past love to excuse his lack of fervor. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xii) Secretive and repressed, he keeps his father's opposition to his engagement hidden. He is dull, self-approving, and unquestioningly devout. ### [The Honeymoon Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xiii) Theobald is anxious and fearful after the wedding, but asserts dominance over Christina by insisting she order dinner, marking a shift in his character. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xiv) Now Rector of Battersby-on-the-Hill; preaches in the old church and later undertakes its rebuilding as his own architect. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xv) Visits a dying parishioner, Mrs. Thompson, offering meat, wine, and spiritual consolation, but ultimately fails to alleviate her fear of Hell. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xvi) Shown as a rector who hates visiting the sick, lacks occupation, has a violent temper, and occupies himself with making a Harmony of the Bible and collecting a hortus siccus. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xvii) Father of the newborn; his wife Christina has given birth to a son. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xviii) Receives his father's approval and letter; proposes naming his son George but is overruled. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xix) Mentioned in passing as one whose character the reader might judge too hastily, alongside Christina. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xx) Finds babies a nuisance; resolves to enforce strict obedience and begins training Ernest from infancy with harsh discipline. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxi) Begins teaching Ernest to read at age two and whips him shortly after; discusses the bequest with Christina and visits Mrs. Thompson. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxii) Ernest's father, strict and angry on Sunday evenings, beats Ernest for mispronunciation. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxiii) Leads family prayers with a harsh Old Testament reading; prays for 'truly honest and conscientious' dealings; is embarrassed by Ernest's question about whipping; receives appointment as rural dean. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxiv) Described as the source of oppressive household rules, likened to a roaring lion. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxv) Christina's husband, whose sorrow she anticipates and whom she urges her sons to comfort and obey. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxvi) Depicted as a clergyman who, like others, cannot examine both sides of a question and relieves his tension on his children. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxvii) Theobald arranges for Ernest to attend Roughborough, having known Dr. Skinner slightly at Cambridge. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxviii) Accompanies Ernest to school, bored and uncomfortable during conversation with Dr. Skinner. ### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxix) Travels home in silence, brooding over Ernest's perceived idleness, deceitfulness, and lack of affection, and resolves to suppress Ernest's musical interests. ### [Ernest at Roughborough](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxx) Rises feeling happy and self-approving after sending Ernest to school; his strictness is echoed in Dr. Skinner's behavior. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxi) Referenced as the absent father whose heavy hand and beatings are no longer present, but whose influence lingers. ### [Alethea's Assessment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxii) Mentioned as maintaining relations with Alethea; his parenting style is implicitly criticized. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxiii) Ernest's father; he and Christina are suspicious of Alethea's motives but cannot stop her. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxiv) Reluctantly consents to the organ plan, writes a surly letter warning Ernest about distractions and low company. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxv) Mentioned as a negative influence on Ernest; Alethea criticizes his parenting. ### [Chapter XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxvi) One of the siblings who comes to Roughborough; least burdensome to Alethea. ### [Chapter XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxvii) Theobald is angry about Alethea's will, writes a harsh letter to Ernest forbidding his hobbies, and cross-examines him about the school bill. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxviii) Agrees with Christina that Ellen must be sent away immediately after the discovery of her pregnancy. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xxxix) Ernest imagines his father's angry and sarcastic reaction to the truth. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xl) Questions Ernest about the loss; prescribes wine; later buys a secondhand watch; returns home in a stormy mood and summons Ernest. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xli) Confronts Ernest about the watch, fires John, and delivers a self-righteous speech that Christina later romanticizes. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xlii) Pressures Ernest for information, deducts watch cost from pocket money, and compiles a secret school list for Dr. Skinner. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xliii) Theobald makes a special journey to Roughborough, hands over a school list to Dr. Skinner, and later refuses to intervene on Ernest's behalf. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xliv) Continues to exert a watchful, oppressive presence over Ernest even as he becomes a praepostor, though he often chooses to ignore inconvenient truths. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xlv) Accompanies Ernest to Cambridge, plans his son's clerical career, and keeps Ernest's scholarship money. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xlvi) Continues to dictate Ernest's studies even after he comes of age and takes his degree, insisting on reviewing examination papers. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/xlviii) Theobald prompts Christina to speak to Ernest about the difficulties of becoming a clergyman, but avoids the subject himself. He is also shown to be manipulative, behaving nicely to Ernest's friends to undermine Ernest. ### [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/l) Receives Ernest's letter with alarm, fearing his son's extremism and unpredictability; reflects on his own past and the dangers of Ernest's zeal. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/li) Mentioned in comparison to Ernest's feelings of being trapped, as Theobald felt on his wedding day. ### [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/liv) Grumbles about Ernest's extravagance but is mollified by the argument of cheapness. ### [LXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxiii) Theobald meets the narrator at the station, learns of Ernest's disgrace, and promptly disowns him, refusing any further communication. ### [LXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxiv) Ernest worries about the pain his disgrace will cause his father. ### [LXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxvi) Mentioned as having been contacted by prison authorities; Ernest refuses to take money from him. ### [LXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxvii) Writes a letter to Ernest offering money for emigration and expressing disappointment. ### [LXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxix) Theobald and Christina visit Ernest at the prison, hoping to maintain the connection, but Ernest rejects them. ### [LXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxx) Visits Overton's home with Christina to confront Ernest but is turned away. ### [LXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxi) Mentioned by Ellen with fondness, though Ernest has quarreled with him. ### [LXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxvi) Theobald is mentioned as Ernest's father, for whom John used to work. ### [LXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxix) Mentioned as Ernest's father, whose parenting Ernest fears repeating. ### [Chapter LXXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxx) Mentioned in Ernest's reflection that he treated his father too considerately. ### [LXXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxxi) Ernest's father, who Ernest decides not to inform about the inheritance to avoid causing pain. ### [LXXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxxii) Angry and jealous upon seeing Ernest's prosperity; reluctantly accepts his son's return. ### [LXXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxxiii) Resents Ernest's early wealth, has adopted surplice and chanting in church, and is agitated by the illness. ### [LXXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxxiv) Gives Ernest the letter from Christina with the seal already broken. ### [LXXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/chapters/lxxxvi) Deceased; his effects were sold at auction, and his will left nothing to Ernest. He is remembered for his difficult relationship with Ernest. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/theobald_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