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Who are the narrator’s uncle and Old Cotter talking about when the narrator comes downstairs for supper?
While it is never explicitly stated, readers can infer that the two men were discussing and judging Father Flynn.
What does the chalice symbolize?
A chalice is a religious instrument. When the narrator looks at Father Flynn’s corpse, he notes that his hands loosely grasp the chalice. At the end of the short story, Eliza says that Father Flynn dropped the chalice shortly before his death. Father Flynn’s loose grip on the chalice in both life and death is meant to symbolize his corrupt approach to religion.
What is simony?
Simony is the buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges such as pardons or benefices. “The Sisters” implies that Father Flynn engaged in this practice.
Was the narrator assaulted or abused by Father Flynn?
The short answer is: we do not know. Neither the narrator nor Joyce informs the reader of the extent of the narrator and Father Flynn’s relationship. That being said, Father Flynn is characterized as a malevolent man and many characters were concerned about their relationship. The ambiguity forces the reader to make their own assumptions.
Why is the narrator unable to eat at Father Flynn’s house?
The narrator is unable to eat the cream crackers that are offered to him after he and his aunt come to pay their respects because he feels that the sound would be too loud. This indicates that the narrator does not want to draw attention to himself.
