"You have no right to act on your own! You have taken vows, obedience being one! You answer to us! You have no right to step outside the church!"
Father Flynn is incredibly angry at Sister Aloysius. He tells her that she had no right to act autonomously and investigate the allegations brought against him. As he explains this concept to her, he uses language that indicates the power dynamics within the church. His usage of the word "us" indicates a power structure that bounds Sister Aloysius to subserviency. In this way, it appears that Father Flynn manipulates his role within the church to push forward his own agenda.
"You just don't like him! You don't like it that he uses a ballpoint pen. You don't like it that he takes 3 lumps of sugar in his tea. You don't like it that he likes Frosty the Snowman and you are letting that convince you? Of something that's terrible... Just terrible..."
Sister James addresses Sister Aloysius in a firm and confrontational manner. This tone indicates a change in the young nun's character. While Sister Aloysius believes that she is pursuing moral righteousness, she fails to understand how her behavior is judgmental, limiting, and discriminatory. In this quote, Sister James echoes Father Flynn's belief that Sister Aloysius has "had it out for him" for a long time. This comment prompts the viewer to rethink Sister Aloysius' behavior and potential motivations for Father Flynn's resignation.
"I've never known wind like it. The wind has changed."
Sister Aloysius makes this comment after one of the nuns has been struck in the face by a branch that fell due to strong winds. Her statement also doubles as a metaphor, alluding to the fact that the "winds" within the church are changing. Throughout the film, the pathetic fallacy, or attributing human characteristics to the natural world, is used to emphasize the characters' sense of emotional unrest.
"Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty. When you are lost, you are not alone."
Father Flynn’s opening sermon demonstrates his adoption of progressive ideals. Flynn recognizes the world around him and understands that as a religious leader, he has the platform to inspire others to think critically about the confines of tradition. He encourages his congregation to embrace what is uncomfortable in order to challenge, learn, and grow. This quote first introduces the theme of doubt to the audience. Ironically, Father Flynn's embrace of doubt causes Sister Aloysius to doubt his intentions and relationships.
"Sister, I don't know if you and me are on the same side. I'll be standing with my son and those who are good with my son. It'd be nice to see you there."
During her discussion with Sister Aloysius, Mrs. Miller highlights her own position of powerlessness and Sister Aloysius's blind privilege. Mrs. Miller reiterates that her son is just a child, and he cannot be held accountable for the allegations. Donald's mother urges Sister Aloysius to be mindful of her son, his vulnerability, and the profound effects the allegations could have on the boy's future.
"What kind of a mother are you?"
Sister Aloysius makes this dramatic statement after growing frustrated with Mrs. Miller’s complacent response to the news of Donald's alleged involvement with Father Flynn. This comment reveals the nun’s narrow-mindedness. Sister Aloysius conflates maternity and morality with white privilege, and she is unable to understand how Mrs. Miller’s race affects how she interacts with the spaces around her. Sister Aloysius is unable to understand that Mrs. Miller is an excellent mother—she puts aside her personal beliefs and subjects herself to intense pain in order to ensure Donald’s safety and future success. The nun’s inability to understand the plights of black motherhood exemplify the intolerance that Father Flynn had previously accused her of embodying.
"Years ago I used to listen to all the news reports, because my husband was in Italy, in the war."
As Sister Aloysius speaks to Mrs. Miller, she makes this small comment that provides the audience with more insight into her past, alluding to a marriage (presumably ending with her husband's death in the war) before she became a nun. While Sister Aloysius seems robotic and terse, this comment alludes to the pain and hardship she has experienced in her life. This humanizes the nun, and the audience is able to sympathize with her and see her as more relatable.
"You just want things to be resolved so you can have simplicity back."
Sister Aloysius says this to Sister James when the young nun advocates for Father Flynn's innocence. Sister Aloysius's rebuttal can be construed as having two meanings. On one hand, she may be insulting Sister James because she has voiced an opinion that is different than her own. On the other hand, Sister Aloysius tells the young nun that she cannot live her life fearing things that fall out of her scope of morality or understanding.
"You can't hold a child responsible for what God gave him to be."
Mrs. Miller tells this to Sister Aloysius during their exchange. She explains that Donald gets beaten by her husband because he suspects that he is gay. Mrs. Miller encourages Sister Aloysius to think about things beyond her control and the narrow scope of her perception. Instead of suggesting that Father Flynn resign, Mrs. Miller prompts Sister Aloysius to consider the effects these allegations could have on her son.
"There are people who go after your humanity, Sister, that tell you that the light in your heart is a weakness. Don't believe it. It's an old tactic of cruel people to kill kindness in the name of virtue."
Father Flynn encourages Sister James to break away from Sister Aloysius' opinion of him. Father Flynn encourages Sister James to embrace her authenticity, which includes her vulnerability and sweetness. However, it is difficult to tell whether Father Flynn is merely using his emotions to manipulate Sister James into thinking he is innocent when, in fact, he is guilty.
