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Literature is constantly showing its readers aspects of people and societies
that would not normally be shown to the public. The various aspects of society
that writers choose to focus on are done for a reason. Whether or not it is a
positive or negative aspect of society doesn't hold any significance. The only
thing that matters in society is why writers choose to focus on the subjects
that they do. Most writers are trying to push their readers further by
challenging them with an aspect that the reader may overlook in everyday
situations. In his Dubliners, James Joyce uses the function of religion in
society to show how corruption has overtaken the Irish. Joyce portrays the
immoral and corrupt role of the priests in society to show the hypocrisy behind
the Irish Catholic Church, and all that it supposedly stands for. Joyce's
symbolism of the physical features and sexual connotations of the priests in The
Sisters, Ivy Day in the Committee Room, and in Grace, provides readers with an
example of how deceiving these honorable religious figures truly are. In The
Sisters, Joyce describes the physical features of Father Flynn to show how other
characters felt uncomfortable in his presence. It seems that Father Flynn's
company are almost repelled to him: When he smiled he used to uncover his big
discoloured teeth and let his tongue lie upon his lower lip a habit which had
made me feel uneasy in the beginning of our acquaintance before I knew him well
(13). This quote shows the awkwardness of Father Flynn's physical appearance.
The discoloured teeth shows that the priest wasn't hygienic, when in reality
priests are supposed to be purified and cleansed. The teeth show that corruption
exists in Father Flynn, because he hasn't followed the regulations of
priesthood. Another unexpected characteristic of an Irish priest is seen in
Father Keon. He is described as being almost seductive with other men and women
of the Church, 'No, no no!' said Father Keon, speaking in a discreet indulgent
velvety voice. 'Don't let me disturb you now! I'm just looking for Mr. Fanning…'
(126). Priests are supposed to abstain from the physical pleasures of life.
However, the description Joyce makes of Father Keon suggests that his mind is
full of corrupt notions. He speaks in an indulgent velvety voice, which allows
the reader to imagine the priest as almost seductive and deceitful. Another
sexual connotation made by a priest is seen in Grace with Father Purdon. The
role of a priest is to guide those who are confused and in need of help for
spiritual guidance. A priest states the rights and wrongs of life and teaches
others to forgive one as well as ask for forgiveness from God. However, Father
Purdon's values do not comply with those stated above. It seems as though he is
too accepting of the sins of life: He understood our little failings, understood
the weakness of our poor fallen nature, understood the temptations of this life
(174). Father Purdon's decision to understand the temptations of this life shows
that corruption does exist in his church. People usually come to priests for
forgiveness from sinning, but with Father Purdon, these people do not need to
ask for forgiveness because he understands the temptations that exist. This
characteristic is completely hypocritical with the Irish Catholic Church. Sins
aren't accepted by God, but are rather forgiven by God. Father Purdon doesn't
teach this idea to his congregation, which shows that his mind and beliefs are
just as corrupt as those who come to him for understanding are.
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