The Way of All Flesh

Ernest’s decision to live among the poor is generally admired by those who know him. Christina hopes it will win him acclaim, while Theobald grudgingly approves of Ernest’s thrift.

Pleased with himself, Ernest grows increasingly confident in his ideas for reforming the church, even calling for the reinstatement of excommunication in a letter to Dawson. In his new neighborhood, he settles in to observe others because “if people wanted Christ, they must prove their want” (187) by seeking him out, as Pryer explains.

Out of a sense of duty to Alethea, Overton visits Ernest, but he is not pleased with Ernest’s choices and plans. On his way out, he chats with Mrs. Jupp, Ernest’s chatty landlady, who says that Ernest reminds her of someone she knew who died by suicide.

Ernest finds himself at a loss how to proceed. He visits a few people at his rector’s request but finds he cannot meet their needs, even as he longs for larger, seemingly more important, work.

After a few losses on the stock market, Ernest entrusts his funds to Pryer.