The Sisters

by

James Joyce

The Narrator’s Aunt Character Analysis

The narrator’s aunt goes with him to Father Flynn’s wake. When she gathers with the narrator, Nannie, and Eliza after the wake, she speaks highly of Father Flynn, and praises the two sisters for having cared for him. Her seemingly unquestioned high opinion of the old priest suggests that she may not have shared the suspicions of the narrator’s uncle or Old Cotter, who seem to think that Father Flynn was corrupt and had an inappropriate relationship with the narrator.
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The Narrator’s Aunt Character Timeline in The Sisters

The timeline below shows where the character The Narrator’s Aunt appears in The Sisters. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
The Sisters
Death, Grief, and Mourning Theme Icon
Later that evening, the narrator goes with his aunt to visit the house where Father Flynn had lived. Upon arrival, they are greeted by... (full context)
Death, Grief, and Mourning Theme Icon
As they leave Father Flynn, Nannie, the narrator, and his aunt bless themselves and meet Eliza, the other sister who cared for Father Flynn. Nannie offers... (full context)
Authority and Corruption Theme Icon
Death, Grief, and Mourning Theme Icon
Paralysis, Deterioration, and the Obsolete Theme Icon
Eventually, the narrator’s aunt breaks the silence by saying that the priest has gone to a better place. Eliza... (full context)