The Power and the Glory | Chapter Summaries

Timeline of Events

• One afternoon in 1938

  The priest, planning to escape a ban on religion, meets Mr. Tench.

  Part 1, Chapter 1
• A week later

  The lieutenant wants hostages to force the priest out of hiding.

  Part 1, Chapter 2
• A few days later

  The priest hides out at the banana company outpost.

  Part 1, Chapter 3
• Several days later

  The priest is almost caught visiting Maria and Brigitta.

  Part 2, Chapter 1
• The next day

  The priest meets the mestizo, who tries to get him arrested.

  Part 2, Chapter 1
• Several days later

  The priest is arrested and jailed for buying alcohol.

  Part 2, Chapter 2
• The next morning

  The mestizo sees the priest in jail but does not tell the lieutenant.

  Part 2, Chapter 3
• A few minutes later

  The lieutenant releases the priest without knowing who he is.

  Part 2, Chapter 3
• A week later

  The priest returns to the banana outpost and finds it deserted.

  Part 2, Chapter 4
• Two days later

  After wandering for days and growing ill, the priest finds a friendly village across the border.

  Part 2, Chapter 4
• Three days later

  The priest stays with the Lehrs and begins to grow comfortable.

  Part 3, Chapter 1
• The next day

  The priest says Mass and hears confessions.

  Part 3, Chapter 1
• After Mass

  The mestizo asks the priest to hear the injured American's confession before he dies.

  Part 3, Chapter 1
• Several hours later

  Against reason, the priest returns to hear the criminal's confession and is caught.

  Part 3, Chapter 2
• That night

  The priest and the lieutenant talk about their different points of view before returning.

  Part 3, Chapter 3
• A day later

  The priest is executed.

  Part 4
• That night

  Another priest is welcomed to the town.

  Part 4

Chapter Summaries Chart