The Way of All Flesh

In addition to Ernest’s name, which is selected by his grandfather, who hopes that it will instill in his grandson a suitable seriousness of purpose, other characters are noted as being earnest. Of Dr. Skinner, Overton observes, “foremost of all, however, among his many great qualities […] was what biographers have called ‘the simple-minded and child-like earnestness of his character’” (85), which Overton goes on to mock by situating it in the mundane setting of a family dinner. Similarly, the “earnest manner” in which Reverend Hawke delivers his address leaves a profound impression on Ernest and the other listeners. Additionally, Christina and Theobald both use the word “earnest” at least once in their letters. Contrasted with such seriousness is Overton’s lighthearted narration. Earnestness is thus presented as a silly, untrustworthy basis for admiring or evaluating individuals and their discourse. Overton’s skepticism towards those who act and speak in earnest reflects his broader distrust of social institutions.

A recurring situation involves an individual on his or her deathbed seeking consolation. The first instance occurs as Theobald takes up his position as rector, then he struggles to comfort a dying woman convinced she is too sinful to enter heaven; Theobald quickly comes to detest such visits. Later, during Ernest’s brief stint as a curate, he pays similar visits, feeling and responding in much the same way as Theobald. As Christina’s death approaches, she, too, seeks comfort from Theobald, but his comments fail to reassure her. When Ernest voices his opinion that she was an “unselfish wife and mother” who deserves to become a “very distinguished” saint (291), she finally feels somewhat hopeful, though her fears do not fade entirely. By testing the limits of Christian doctrine on those who are nearing death, Overton demonstrates how harsh and vague such doctrine can be, even in the moments when it is most important to a believer.

The title of the novel, The Way of All Flesh, also falls under this topic. It is a reference to 1 Kings 2:2, as recorded in the Douay-Rheims translation of the Bible: “I am going the way of all flesh: take thou courage and shew thyself a man.” In this case, instead of focusing on the welfare of the individual who is dying, the speaker addresses his friend and successor as king, instructing him. While the title might refer to any or all of the deaths that take place in the book, it might also refer to Overton, who, at the time of writing, is 80 years old. In that context, the book might serve as an ailing Overton’s reminder to Ernest of how Ernest became who he is and what that means for his future.

As Ernest develops and experiments with various viewpoints and activities, Overton compares him on several occasions to a snipe, a type of bird that darts around in several directions before picking a particular flight pattern. Overton characterizes Ernest’s burst of religious activity following Hawke’s sermon as the first of his “snipe-like flights” (175); his later change towards high-church worship under Pryer’s influence is also described in terms of flight. As a symbol of Ernest’s development, the snipe’s flight represents his instability and the possibility that, with guidance, he might settle into a worthwhile path.