Character Analysis
The final chapter of the novel is basically a long discussion between Mr. Lucas and Nicholas Schliemann about what being a socialist means. Mr. Lucas is a wandering preacher and evangelist who believes that the Christian church offers a socialist message. He admits that church hierarchies are sometimes as corrupt as big corporations. However, the message of Jesus is one of kindness to the poor and sharing with the community. Mr. Lucas argues that Jesus preaches against profit. So there should be no conflict of interest in quoting Bible verses to convince people to support rights for the working man. Nicholas Schliemann does not disagree with Mr. Lucas about his interpretation of the Bible. However, he still feels that, since bishops and ministers get rich off their parishioners, the Church and socialism cannot go together.