The Power and the Glory Summary

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Questions and Answers

What happens to the priest after he meets the mestizo in jail?

He is allowed to go free. (correct)

He decides to turn himself in to the authorities.

He is recognized and taken to another jail.

He becomes a leader among the prisoners.

What is the priest's emotional state throughout his journey?

He feels empowered and invigorated.

He is constantly filled with joy and hope.

He is mostly indifferent and unaffected.

He is fatigued and drained of the will to live. (correct)

Why does the lieutenant pursue the priest?

He has a personal vendetta against him.

He wants to eradicate the Church and its influence. (correct)

He believes the priest has committed a crime.

He wishes to convert him to his beliefs.

What does the mestizo reveal about his character?

He is untrustworthy and seeks personal gain. Signup and view all the answers

What does Coral Fellows do during her encounter with the priest?

She becomes an emotional anchor for her family. Signup and view all the answers

What does the priest fail to do the night before his execution?

He finds peace and repentance for his sins. Signup and view all the answers

How does the lieutenant's character evolve throughout the story?

He becomes sympathetic towards the priest and the Church. Signup and view all the answers

How do the boy's perceptions of the priest change by the end of the novel?

He admires the priest and views him as a martyr. Signup and view all the answers

What underlying emotion connects the lieutenant's hatred of priests and his concern for poor people?

A desire to protect the innocent Signup and view all the answers

How does the priest ultimately achieve true humility?

Through recognizing his own weaknesses Signup and view all the answers

What leads the priest to return across the border at the end of the story?

The mestizo's insistence to meet the gringo. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of conflict for the priest throughout the novel?

His internal struggles with personal sin and guilt. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'whiskey priest' signify in relation to the protagonist's identity?

A definition based on weakness Signup and view all the answers

What paradox is presented in the concept of Christian humility as discussed in the content?

Feeling humble can lead to pride in one's humility. Signup and view all the answers

What significant theme is illustrated by the relationship between the priest and the lieutenant at the end of the novel?

The possibility for mutual understanding Signup and view all the answers

How does the lack of a defined name affect the priest's character in the novel?

It isolates him from forming relationships. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the priest's experience of suffering relate to the concept of beauty?

Suffering can reveal life's beauty. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs are presented as seeming opposites in the content?

Love and hate Signup and view all the answers

What reflects the priest's uncertainty about his identity throughout the majority of the novel?

His lack of a solid name Signup and view all the answers

What common experience does Greene explore through the priest and the lieutenant?

The struggle between faith and doubt Signup and view all the answers

What is Brigida's relationship with the priest?

She is his illegitimate daughter. Signup and view all the answers

What leads Padre Jose to renounce his faith?

A forced marriage and the threat of execution. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Tench's character reflect the theme of spiritual deadness?

He feels disconnected from his life and his wife. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of the lieutenant in the novel?

Bringing justice to those he views as obstacles. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the disparity between Juan's life and the priest's experiences?

Juan lives a life of faith while the priest struggles with doubts. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mrs. Fellows' behavior indicative of?

A fear of death leading to neurotic behavior. Signup and view all the answers

How does the priest's perspective on suffering differ from that of the lieutenant?

He embraces suffering as part of life's journey. Signup and view all the answers

What role does Miss Lehr play in the narrative?

She embodies naive curiosity and innocence. Signup and view all the answers

What does the character of the jefe symbolize in the novel?

Indifference to the struggles of others. Signup and view all the answers

What does the priest's reaction to death reveal about his character?

He confronts death with peaceful acceptance. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the priest in hiding at the beginning of the novel?

He is the last remaining clergyman in a state where religion is outlawed. Signup and view all the answers

What event causes the priest to miss his boat out of the city?

He is called to a dying woman's house. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Brigida in relation to the priest?

His illegitimate daughter. Signup and view all the answers

What does the lieutenant do when he arrives after the mass?

He takes a hostage as a deterrent. Signup and view all the answers

What character accompanies the priest, showing signs of being untrustworthy?

The mestizo. Signup and view all the answers

What disguise does the priest use while trying to procure wine in the capital city?

A drill suit. Signup and view all the answers

What prevents the priest from obtaining wine as planned?

The drinker consumes the entire bottle of wine. Signup and view all the answers

What major decision does the priest make regarding entering Carmen?

He chooses to avoid it to prevent capture. Signup and view all the answers

How does the interaction with the beggar contribute to the plot?

It leads the priest to safety. Signup and view all the answers

What is the priest's relationship with Maria?

They had a brief affair. Signup and view all the answers

What has caused the priest to go into hiding?

He is the last remaining clergyman and religion has been outlawed. Signup and view all the answers

Who does the priest meet while trying to procure wine?

A beggar who introduces him to a hotel owner. Signup and view all the answers

What action does the lieutenant take after the mass?

He takes a hostage as leverage. Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately prevents the priest from obtaining the wine he hoped to use for mass?

A state official catches him with brandy. Signup and view all the answers

What does the mestizo reveal about his character during the journey?

He is interested in collecting a reward for turning the priest in. Signup and view all the answers

What significant decision does the priest make when approaching the town of Carmen?

He veers off course to avoid capture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the priest disguised as while in the capital city?

A drill suit wearer. Signup and view all the answers

How do the villagers respond when the lieutenant searches for the priest?

They deny knowing the priest's whereabouts. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates the lieutenant’s pursuit of the priest?

A personal trauma related to the Church. Signup and view all the answers

How does the mestizo view the priest throughout the novel?

As a means to exploit for personal gain. Signup and view all the answers

What is Coral Fellows' primary attitude towards religion?

She is indifferent and dismissive. Signup and view all the answers

What act does the priest perform that signifies his conflict with his past life?

He attempts to repent for his sins. Signup and view all the answers

What significant choice does the priest make when visiting the gringo?

To agree to hear the gringo’s confession despite the danger. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of Mr. Lehr in the priest's journey?

To provide shelter and information about safety. Signup and view all the answers

How does the lieutenant's appearance contrast with his lifestyle?

His dapper look contradicts his chaotic environment. Signup and view all the answers

What realization does the boy come to about the priest?

He perceives the priest as a martyr and hero. Signup and view all the answers

What keeps the mestizo in constant tension with the priest?

His conflicting loyalties and motives. Signup and view all the answers

Which character worries about the future of Brigida due to her harsh experiences?

The priest Signup and view all the answers

What internal struggle does the priest face before his execution?

He grapples with guilt and the inability to repent. Signup and view all the answers

What is a main characteristic of Padre Jose's situation in the story?

He has lost hope and renounced his faith. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Tench’s attitude towards Mexico reflect his overall character?

He shows apathy and a loathing for the culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is one notable aspect of the gringo's character as revealed in the novel?

He is initially perceived as an admirable figure. Signup and view all the answers

What primary theme does the disparity between Juan's martyrdom story and the priest's experiences illustrate?

The difference between idealized narratives and reality. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of the lieutenant's personality?

He feels bitter and frustrated about unachievable ideals. Signup and view all the answers

How is the pious woman's attitude characterized during her encounter with the priest?

She looks down upon the priest for his compassion for others. Signup and view all the answers

What does Brigida's relationship with her father reveal about her character development throughout the story?

She seeks validation from him despite her resentment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the jefe's demeanor suggest about his priorities?

He focuses on personal enjoyment rather than duty. Signup and view all the answers

What does the character of Mrs. Fellows represent in the narrative?

The impact of fear and hysteria on mental health. Signup and view all the answers

What does Greene argue about the nature of opposites like love and hate in the character of the lieutenant?

They stem from similar strong emotions. Signup and view all the answers

In the story, how does the priest's struggle with humility manifest throughout the novel?

He is aware of his own weaknesses yet seeks true humility. Signup and view all the answers

What significance does the title 'whiskey priest' hold in relation to the protagonist's self-perception?

It defines him by his weaknesses and moral failures. Signup and view all the answers

How does the priest's lack of a defined name influence his character development?

It shows his disconnect from others and his search for identity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concept Greene explores regarding the relationship between beauty and suffering through the priest's experience?

Beauty often emerges from moments of hardship. Signup and view all the answers

What does Greene indicate about the nature of humility for a Christian through the priest's character?

The pursuit of humility can lead to pride in one's achievements. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the lieutenant's hatred of priests play in his character development?

It originates from a place of concern for the innocent. Signup and view all the answers

What does the relationship between the priest and the lieutenant signify by the novel's conclusion?

A qualified understanding and reconciliation of their roles. Signup and view all the answers

How does Greene illustrate the theme of identity through the priest's name or lack thereof?

His lack of a name symbolizes societal rejection. Signup and view all the answers

Which pairs of opposites does Greene embody through his characters in the narrative?

Love and hate. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Plot Summary

Priest, the last clergyman, on the run from authorities in a state where religion is outlawed.
Seeks refuge and encounters villagers, old acquaintances, and a daughter.
Evades capture in various towns, often aided by local people but also pursued by the lieutenant.
Faces the lieutenant after participating in mass, and is not caught.
Continues on the run, meeting the untrustworthy mestizo, a man who tries to betray him.
The priest conceals his identity in disguise and is caught trying to obtain wine for mass and faces long chase.
Imprisoned, he faces another chance at evasion, but is captured once more.
Meets an Indian woman whose son has been killed; goes to a neighboring state.
Upon reaching safety, forced to assist the dying gringo for a confession.
Is captured again; stands trial and faces execution.

Characters

The Whiskey Priest/Priest: Main character, on the run from authorities, tormented by guilt over past actions.
The Lieutenant: Opponent of the church, driven by past trauma. Conflicted, capable of empathy, yet ruthless in pursuit.
The Mestizo: Untrustworthy, calculating man who seeks to betray and exploit the priest.
Coral Fellows: Independent, emotionally anchor of her family, profoundly touched by the priest.
The Boy: Represents human potential for improvement reflected by encountering the priest.
Brigida: Illegitimate daughter of the priest; marked by her ignominious parentage.
Maria: Priest's lover; unhappy to see his return, assists him in escaping.
Padre Jose: Other priest, renounced his faith, a symbol of the priesthood's weakness.
Mr. Tench: Apathetic, estranged Englishman/dentist
The Gringo: Outlaw, murdered by the police, asking for the priest's confession.
Captain and Mrs. Fellows: Coral's parents; Captain - benign, ineffectual; Mrs. Fellows - neurotic, fearful.
Mr. Lehr: Kind German immigrant; Lutheran, allows the priest refuge.
Miss Lehr: Mr. Lehr's sister; more open and curious.
The Woman: Concerned about her son's decreasing faith, keeps him interested in religion.
Juan: Example of a pious and composed martyr.
Pious Woman: Proud Christian but critical of others, imprisoned for religious items.
The Jefe: The lieutenant's boss; unconcerned about capturing the priest.

Themes

Dangers of excessive idealism: The lieutenant is presented as an example of someone blinded by their ideals.
Disparity between representation and reality: Reality differs from the way stories/representations portray it. (e.g., the priest's image vs real self).
Interconnectedness of opposites: Love and hate, beauty and suffering are not opposing forces, but interconnected.
Paradox of Christian humility: Difficulty in achieving true humility, as pride can accompany attempts at it.
Importance of a name/identity: The priest's lack of a name symbolizes his uncertainty, yet it emphasizes change.

Analysis of characters

The Priest: A complex character grappling with his past, guilt, and the struggles of remaining true to his beliefs. His lack of a fixed identity could represent the novel's exploration of uncertainty.
The Lieutenant: The lieutenant’s intense pursuit contrasts with his political and social ideals. His character highlights potentially contradictory human traits that are explored within the novel.
The Mestizo: Symbolizes betrayal and exploitation. His actions play a pivotal role in the priest's journey.

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Description

Explore the gripping narrative of 'The Power and the Glory', which follows the Whiskey Priest as he navigates a world where religion is forbidden. On the run from authorities, he encounters various characters who influence his journey of faith, morality, and survival. This summary delves into key moments and characters that shape the priest's harrowing experience.