Overton notes a few parallels between the life of Jesus Christ as depicted in the Bible and Ernest’s experiences. Should Ernest be considered a Christ figure, even ironically? Why or why not?

The Way of All Flesh is considered semi-autobiographical, as Butler drew on his own experiences to imagine Ernest’s story. Find a biographical entry or life sketch of Butler, then compare his story with Ernest’s. What are the similarities and differences, and why might Butler have made the changes that he did?

What is the central conflict of The Way of All Flesh, and how is it resolved?