Doubt (Situational Irony)
Doubt is the topic of Father Flynn's opening sermon. When he asks members of the congregation to rethink the subject of "uncertainty," he aims to unify the members and inspire them to bond together over their common sense of vulnerability. However, the sermon prompts Sister Aloysius to doubt Father Flynn's honesty and intentions. Instead, she ventures on a pursuit to embody "absolute certainty" and force the priest to confess to his relationship with an altar boy.
The Photograph of Pope Pius XII (Situational Irony)
The picture of Pope Pius XII hangs in Sister James's classroom. Both Sister James and her students believe that the image signifies an homage to the Catholic tradition, but Sister Aloysius reframes the purpose of the image. Instead, she urges Sister James to use the photograph to look at the reflection of her students while her back is turned, thus observing their behavior. It is ironic that an iconographic religious image is used for spying purposes.
Father Flynn's Promotion (Situational Irony)
At the end of the film, Sister Aloysius tells Sister James about Father Flynn's resignation. She also reveals that following his leave, Father Flynn was promoted to another position within the Catholic Church. Although the audience remains unsure about the priest's innocence, we are left to wonder whether this is an ironic comment regarding the protection that the church has historically provided for predators within its institution.
Sister Aloysius's "Compassion" (Verbal Irony)
When Father Flynn is faced with the allegations in Sister Aloysius's office, he attempts to understand the nun's motivations. Though he initially responds angrily, he later attempts to sympathize with Sister Aloysius and place himself on her level. In a particularly calm moment, Father Flynn asks her, "Where is your compassion?" Sister Aloysius replies to this comment, explaining, "Nowhere you can get at it." This sarcastic remark, playing on an alternate meaning of the word "compassion" (as, literally, mutual passion) refers to Sister Aloysius's suspicions that Father Flynn has engaged in a sexual relationship with a student at the school.
"I have my doubts" (Situational Irony)
At the end of the film, Sister Aloysius confesses to Sister James that she has her doubts surrounding the allegations and actions taken against Father Flynn. This confession is ironic, as Sister Aloysius prided herself on her certainty and unwavering opinion. However, aside from its ironic component, this admission reveals that Sister Aloysius has observed her behavior and reflected and grown from the experience surrounding Father Flynn and the charges brought against him.
