Summary
Father Flynn and another student wait outside of the office of Sister Aloysius as they wait to be disciplined. The student, who was listening to a transistor radio while in class, must complete times tables. After he walks away, Father Flynn and Sister Aloysius make awkward small talk as they wait for Sister James to join them. After an uncomfortable joke, the three enter the office and pour themselves tea. Sister James is expected to serve Father Flynn, and Sister Aloysius appears uncomfortable when Father Flynn asks for sugar.
As she gives Father Flynn three sugar cubes, Sister Aloysius comments on the length of his nails. The two nuns exchange uneasy looks and appear to draw a connection between Father Flynn’s nails and his self-described “sweet tooth.” As the three begin talking, it becomes clear that they are meeting to discuss some changes to the annual Christmas pageant. Father Flynn suggests that they incorporate some secular songs into the programming, and Sister Aloysius pushes back on this idea. As she speaks to Father Flynn, Sister Aloysius pulls back the shades and temporarily blinds the priest.
Mid-discussion, Father Flynn takes out a ballpoint pen and begins writing down an idea for a sermon. When Sister Aloysius asks what the idea is, Father Flynn replies that it is “intolerance.” Father Flynn then explains that it is a “new time,” and the church should adapt accordingly. Father Flynn argues that the church should be warmer and should consider each member of the church as family. As Sister Aloysius pushes back against this suggestion, Father Flynn approaches the window to close the blinds.
At the mention of Donald Miller’s name, Sister James spills tea over Father Flynn’s hand. Sister Aloysius then explains that they all should carefully consider how Donald Miller should be represented during the pageant. When Father Flynn asserts that Donald should not receive special treatment, Sister Aloysius rebuts and explains that the priest has, in fact, “singled him out.” The nuns then refer to Donald’s strange behavior after he met privately with Father Flynn in the rectory. After bringing up this topic, Father Flynn feels uncomfortable and explains that he merely talked with Donald Miller about private matters.
After Sister Aloysius presses him for more information, Father Flynn attempts to leave the office in a huff. However, before he gets to the door, the nuns explain that there was alcohol on Donald’s breath. Father Flynn replies that the women should have “left the matter alone,” as he was already aware that Donald was caught drinking altar wine and doesn’t want the boy to be reprimanded. Sister James is quick to believe the priest’s explanation, but Sister Aloysius is far more skeptical. Before leaving the office to write his sermon on intolerance, Father Flynn tells the nuns that he is displeased with how they handled the situation.
Alone, Sister James and Sister Aloysius discuss what has just happened. Sister Aloysius questions Sister James’s relief, as the former still believes that Father Flynn is guilty. Sister James pushes back, telling Sister Aloysius that her doubt is merely rooted in her disapproval of Father Flynn as a person. Sister James questions her superior’s use of fear and her rigidity. As they talk, the light above them blows out. Sister Aloysius then calls Donald Miller’s mother.
Sister James and Sister Aloysius pay close attention to Father Flynn during his sermon the following Sunday. Father Flynn tells a story of a woman who spread false accusations against a neighbor and then went to her priest for confession. In the story, the priest then replied that this kind of behavior rendered her an “ignorant woman,” and she should be ashamed. As a punishment, the priest orders the woman to slice open a pillow with a knife. He then asks the woman to collect all the feathers, and, after she explains that doing so would be impossible, the priest demonstrates the irreparable damages of gossip.
Analysis
The opening shot of the scene between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn sets up the dynamics for their interaction. As the priest sits outside of the office with another young student, we understand that Sister Aloysius has established her authority by infantilizing and humiliating the priest. It is clear that before the meeting has even started, Sister Aloysius has made a series of judgments and claims that prevent their discussion from being constructive or honest. The relative positions of the characters—Sister Aloysius stands while Father Flynn remains seated—further indicates the nun’s control and dominance over the situation. This attitude continues when the two nuns disapprove of the sugar that Father Flynn puts in his coffee and the length of his fingernails.
The connection between Father Flynn’s sweet tooth and fingernails is both complex and subject to interpretation. The reactions of both of the nuns indicate that it is atypical for a grown man—let alone a priest—to enjoy sweets and to make daring grooming choices. Though the film seems to suggest that these two details indicate Father Flynn’s repressed femininity, it may also merely indicate that Father Flynn values his individualism and feels entitled to make his own choices. As Sister Aloysius and Sister James align their opinions with one another, it becomes clear that Father Flynn is further ostracized and bullied. This dynamic fuels Father Flynn’s frustration.
Until this moment in the story, the audience has only understood the relationship between Donald Miller and Father Flynn from the dubious gazes of the nuns. However, when Father Flynn explains himself in the office, the audience is subjected to similarly feel a sense of doubt. Is Father Flynn actually using his authority to take advantage of those in his community? Or is he a caretaker who is merely looking out for an ostracized student?
The contrasting characterizations of Sister Aloysius and Sister James are strengthened in the meeting’s aftermath. Sister James is hasty to pardon Father Flynn in order to absolve herself from feeling uncomfortable. On the other hand, Sister Aloysius is incredibly hesitant to believe his story. As Sister James criticizes her peer’s narrow-mindedness, we become aware of both nun’s behavioral flaws. These distinct characterizations inform each of the nuns' perspectives and thus affect how each interprets Father Flynn’s morality. Additionally, we are able to understand how Sister James and Sister Aloysius initially function as foil characters. While Sister James is trusting and innocent, Sister Aloysius is skeptical and authoritative. It is important to pay attention to the portrayal of these characters at the film’s beginning, as both dramatically transform as the film continues.
Finally, Father Flynn’s sermon demonstrates his privileged, powerful position. As we watch as the churchgoers listen intently, we become aware of how the priest uses his platform to assert his own opinions and perspectives. Though Father Flynn uses his sermon to explain an important concept, we are left to also ponder how he may use his sermons for selfish and manipulative purposes. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that sermons are used as a narrative device to shape the storytelling arc. This narrative technique affects the audience’s understanding of Father Flynn’s character and the allegations brought against him.
