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Cover of They Call Me Carpenter: A Tale of the Second Coming

They Call Me Carpenter: A Tale of the Second Coming

Written by Upton Sinclair

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Jesus ChristHollywood (Los Angeles, Calif.)

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About this book

"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.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in They Call Me Carpenter: A Tale of the Second Coming, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Thought-provoking
  • Socio-political
  • Spiritual

Upton Sinclair's "They Call Me Carpenter: A Tale of the Second Coming" plunges into the turbulent aftermath of World War I, following a war veteran whose life takes an unexpected turn after witnessing a controversial German film. The narrative skillfully blends social critique with spiritual allegory, as the protagonist, incensed by post-war xenophobia and artistic censorship, finds solace and profound insights from a Christ-like figure. This encounter propels him on a journey of self-discovery and a re-evaluation of societal values, challenging conventional notions of morality, violence, and faith. Sinclair uses this personal awakening as a vehicle to explore themes of artistic expression, the trauma of conflict, and the potential for spiritual renewal in a disillusioned world. The book ultimately posits a radical vision for humanity's future, mirroring the ideals of a 'second coming' not as a divine intervention, but as a collective societal transformation.

“"They called it propaganda, but I saw only the tortured soul of a nation, screaming through the canvas of art."”

Key themes

Spiritual Awakening & Redefinition of Faith
Central to the novel is the protagonist's spiritual awakening and Sinclair's radical reinterpretation of the 'Second Coming.' Faith is presented not as adherence to dogma or ritual, but as an active commitment to universal love, justice, and compassion. The Christ figure's teachings challenge conventional religious institutions, advocating for a personal and collective transformation that manifests in social action.
Societal Hypocrisy & Post-War Trauma
Sinclair vividly portrays the deep-seated hypocrisy and unresolved trauma plaguing post-WWI American society. The novel exposes the lingering xenophobia, the jingoistic nationalism that demonizes artistic expression, and the moral vacuum left by the war. It critiques a society that preaches peace but glorifies violence, and claims morality while perpetuating injustice and division.
Violence and Pacifism
Having just emerged from a world war, Sinclair deeply interrogates the nature of violence, its societal roots, and the potential for pacifism. The protagonist's identity as a veteran and his confrontation with mob violence set the stage for the Christ figure's teachings, which unequivocally condemn violence and advocate for a radical, active form of peace rooted in love and non-resistance to evil. This theme challenges the prevailing militaristic mindset of the era.

Worth discussing

How does Sinclair use the protest against 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' to symbolize broader societal issues of post-WWI America?

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