In Sinclair Lewis's novel "Elmer Gantry," the protagonist, Elmer, is depicted as a man who is oblivious to the origins of a mysterious gift he receives—thirty dimes wrapped in a religious tract. The significance of this gift remains unclear, yet Elmer finds the moral content of the tract beneficial for his preaching. This showcases his opportunistic nature, as he uses the materials to fuel his sermons while remaining indifferent to their true purpose. Interestingly, instead of honoring the spiritual intentions behind the tract, Elmer chooses to use the money for superficial pleasures, spending it on photographs of burlesque performers. This juxtaposition highlights his hypocrisy and the conflict between genuine faith and personal indulgence, illustrating how he embodies the moral contradictions prevalent in society.

In Sinclair Lewis's novel "Elmer Gantry," the protagonist, Elmer, is depicted as a man who is oblivious to the origins of a mysterious gift he receives—thirty dimes wrapped in a religious tract. The significance of this gift remains unclear, yet Elmer finds the moral content of the tract beneficial for his preaching. This showcases his opportunistic nature, as he uses the materials to fuel his sermons while remaining indifferent to their true purpose.

Interestingly, instead of honoring the spiritual intentions behind the tract, Elmer chooses to use the money for superficial pleasures, spending it on photographs of burlesque performers. This juxtaposition highlights his hypocrisy and the conflict between genuine faith and personal indulgence, illustrating how he embodies the moral contradictions prevalent in society.