When I read it this time I kept thinking if Sister A was really as convinced as she said she was. I had a whole different picture of this old woman with a strong internal conflict. I did not take her as seriously as I did the first read. I saw her as not quite a dominating personality. I saw her as a weaker leader. I also felt more sorry for Brother Flynn this time when I read it. I felt sorry because you now know that Sister A. did not really convince herself that he was guilty of anything. I also saw Sister James in a better light. She was lead by her emotions, but she also listened to both sides of the argument.
This second read made me understand that everyone doubts their convictions. Even the people who seem to have it all figured out really don’t. People of high authority, who lead many others, do not always believe in their teachings or in their advice that they give to others. Evidence can be seen through Sister A.’s leadership. She seems that she is 100% convinced that Brother Flynn has committed previous acts of molestation and thinks that he is continuing it here at her school. But, at the end, she exposes her internal conflict. She really was not totally convinced.
1 comment:
I agree with you on seeing Sister Aloysius differently the second time around. She seemed more human, but in a fake way. I guess I didn't want to believe her because her certainty all seemed to be a facade. I'm glad that you perceived Sister James in a better way too. I feel like I'm the only person who admired her character the first time around. I think her impartiality and attempts at fairness make her the most real and genuine character in the play.
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