flynns motives

Flynn's Motive in The Sisters The Reverend James Flynn died July 1st, 1895. Together the priest and boy had spent a great amount of time discussing religious issues: classifications of sins, duties of the Eucharist, and secrecy of the confessional. The priest's passing caused the boy to reflect back upon his time spent with the old man, and through his memories and the comments of the other characters the boy pieces together a final impression of …

… must make reparations for his own shortcomings. Through whatever reasoning Flynn employed, he chose to lead the boy into the faith. With the knowledge of his own failing, Flynn believed that he could recreate himself through the boy, as an ideal priest. Then the good that the boy did would make up for the father's mistakes. Therefore; although the overall result of Father Flynn's actions could possibly be beneficial, his reasons are actually selfish.