Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Fiction

dmallind

(10,437 posts)

4. Question can be answered two ways

Reply to raccoon (Original post)

Thu Jun 14, 2012, 09:40 AM

Jun 2012

Birkhead was not a character but was a preacher who showed Lewis around during his research for the book and became a friend of his. He's quite possibly a partial model for Frank Shallard the more genuine preacher whose death Gantry causes in the book.

EDIT - having recalled the original reference in the thread you mention I think the most germane point is that Shallard was brutally whipped by outraged congregants after he made statements supporting evolution.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

5 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Can somebody tell me, what happened to the liberal preacher in ELMER GANTRY? [View all] raccoon Jun 2012 OP

The Reverend Leon M. Birkhead.... Little Star Jun 2012 #1

Don't think so, but it's an interesting story. Thanks for posting. nt raccoon Jun 2012 #2

Hey I tried. LOL! Little Star Jun 2012 #3

Question can be answered two ways dmallind Jun 2012 #4

OMFG. Thanks. nt raccoon Jun 2012 #5