ELMER GANTRY - SINCLAIR LEWIS -1929(USED) COLL

The novel is a scathing satire of religious hypocrisy. It follows Elmer Gantry, a charismatic, narcissistic, and deeply flawed man who discovers he has a talent for "the old-time religion."

• The Plot: Gantry moves from being a hard-drinking college athlete to an ordained minister, eventually becoming a successful evangelist.

• The Conflict: Throughout his rise, he never actually changes his hedonistic ways. He’s a philanderer and a fraud who uses the pulpit for power and money while leading a double life.

Why it caused a scandal

When it was released, it was a massive "bomb" dropped on American culture:

• It was banned in several cities (like Boston and Kansas City).

• Lewis was publicly denounced by many religious leaders of the time.

• One prominent minister even suggested Lewis should be jailed for five years.