Summary
"City of Churches" is a short story written in 1973 by a great American author named Donald Barthelme. The story takes place in a small isolated city named Prester. The story begins with the town's real estate agent Mr.Phillips showing the town around to a woman named Cecelia, who is interested in starting a car rental business in the city. "Everyone here takes a great interest in church matters" says Mr. Phillips.
Theocracy?
"I'm not especially religious," Cecelia said.
"Not now" he answered, "Not yet." At this point in the story it is clear that religion is very key to this obscure city. As the two turned the corner a plethora of churces became visible. In fact, the entire city was comprised of churches. Everyone lived in the church they attended, which clearly had Cecelia shocked. Not only did the churches serve as places of residence, but they also doubled other things. For example, the United Methodist was also a barber shop, and the Antioch Pentecostal doubled as the Board of Education. Cecelia's interest in Prester was simply to see if her car rental business would succeed. Mr. Phillips was quick to point out that people don't want to leave Prester, so a car rental business would be very odd. By the cheer tone of the story it is clear that Prester is a very strange town. Cecelia asked about where she could live if she decided to live in Prester, and she had very limited options. Her options were living in a basement with two other women, or living in a dangerous bell tower. Prester seemed like a horrible place to live, and it seemed as though Cecelia had been fed up with all of its oddities and did not want to live there. Mr. Phillips was clearly unhappy with Cecelia's attitude towards Prester, and her wanting to live alone.
Independent Woman
When Cecelia was asked what denomination she belonged to, she replied that she can "dream" what ever she wants. When asked what she dreams about, Cecelia confidently said "mostly sexual things." Cecelia was unphased by Mr. Phillips' stern personality. After arguing for a little while Cecelia makes her final decision and decides to leave. Mr. Phillips clutches Cecelia's arm and tells her that she belongs to Prestor, the perfect city. Even after being told that she has no option, Cecelia stays confident in herself and remains unphased.
Themes & Meanings
'Theocracy' is a key theme in "City of Churches." This theme is very present in almost every sentence; the entire town is comprised of churches, and every necessity a town would need is found in the churches themselves. For example the Board of Education, barbershops, and homes are all found in the churches. Religion has quite obviously corrupted peoples' minds in Prester.
'Perfection' is another theme in the story, and this is clear when Mr. Phillips is constantly hinting on how everyone lives in Prester. Mr. Phillips even says that a car rental business implies that people would want to leave the city, and that no one would ever want to do that. "We are like other towns, execpt that we are perfect," Mr. Phillips said. Mr. Phillips than held Cecelia's arm and said that they need her for their perfect town.
Thought Provoking Questions:
1.) In what ways can Prester be considered a theocracy?
2.) What is the significance of Cecelia's bravery in the end of the story, especially when she tells Mr. Phillips to "wait and see"?
3.) What kind of tone is set early in the story?
Reader Response
I thought that the "City of Churches" was a fine piece of literature. It is easily one of my favorite short stories of all time. The story is full of archetypal symbols especially evil. 'The mouths of all the churches were gaping open. Inside, lights could be seen dimly." This the story is extremely well written, and the mechanics of it are impeccable.
