Not for God
The play opens with the main character, Willie, being encouraged by his mother, Theresa, to become a priest. Theresa is a devout woman and she and her son go to church regularly. Despite being a pious person, the reason why she wants her son to become a priest is not because she wants him to serve God, but because, ironically, she wants him to earn a lot of money and have a comfortable life.
Unholy thoughts
While Willie does decide to go and have a career as a priest, he still can’t stop himself from thinking about Rosie, the girl he likes. Rosie is also in the same church as Willie and she sings in the choir. Often, while she sings, Willie looks at her and fantasizes about seeing her naked. This is ironic because she imagines her as that while they are both in church.
Not so humble
When Willie returns to the boarding school, he is welcomed by Father Benedictus who asks him about his activities during the summer and about his mother. Father Benedictus then tries to urge Willie to focus on his studies, to work hard and one day he will succeed. Before leading Willie to his dorm, Benedictus claims that one day, Willie could become successful just like him. His remark is presented with irony especially considering how the members of the clergy are supposed to be humble and always praise God, not themselves.
Not a role mother
Soon after arriving at the boarding school, Willie is made a prefect by Father Benedictus. Willie is told that because he is a prefect, he will have to be a good influence on the other children and urge them to be good. Ironically, Willie not only fails to do this but he also engages in criticized activities such as stealing food from the kitchen.
The son of a priest
Another ironic element presented in the play is revealed at the end when Willie’s mother tells him the identity of his father. Willie finds that his father is none other than Father Benedictus. This is ironic especially when considering how Father Benedictus did everything he could to convince Willie he will need to stop thinking about women if he is to become a priest.
