All the King's Men Religion Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

And since the Lord moves in a mysterious way, it should not have surprised Willie that He was using some fat men in a striped pants and a big car to do His will. (2.162)

Jack always uses this semi-sarcastic tone when talking about Willie's feeling that he was called to save the state. Since we don't ever get into Willie's head, we can't know how he feels about religion.

Quote #2

I told [Tiny] he better go ahead and distribute the loaves and fishes and pray God for Willie to arrive by two o'clock. (2.396)

Jack is constantly comparing Willie to Christ. Part of this is a comment on what the people of the state want. They want their political leader to be as close to their idea of Jesus as possible.

Quote #3

[Willie Stark:] "And it came to him with the powerful force of God's own lightening […]" (2.447)

Willie goes all out in this first speech (during which is completely drunk). He flat out tells the people he was chosen by God, and brings up the issue of the schoolhouse to prove it.