They Call Me Carpenter: A Tale of the Second Coming

"They Call Me Carpenter: A Tale of the Second Coming" by Upton Sinclair is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows a character who finds himself drawn into an unexpected adventure after watching a controversial German film titled "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" in a post-World War I American city. Themes of artistic expression, societal unrest, and philosophical debates regarding morality and the nature of humanity appear to be central to the story, with significant interactions involving characters like Dr. Karl Henner, a German literary critic. The opening of the novel introduces the protagonist who, alongside Dr. Henner, faces a mob outside a theater protesting the showing of a German film they deem to be "Hun propaganda." Through their dialogue, the protagonist grapples with his identity as a war veteran in a society still entangled in the trauma of conflict. The situation escalates, leading to a physical altercation as the protagonist defends his right to see the film, ultimately taking refuge in a church. There, he experiences a spiritual encounter with a figure resembling Christ, who appears to offer him comfort and profound insights about violence, society, and the human condition. This introduction sets the stage for a blend of political commentary and personal awakening as Sinclair explores the complexities of morality and societal values in the wake of war.