At the beginning of the story the narrator describes the lighted window in Father Flynn’s house as being lit ‘faintly and evenly.’ To the narrator this symbolised that Father Flynn was still alive. On several occasions he uses light or the lack of it to suggest the decline of the Church.

Joyce also uses a lot of symbolism in the story. Joyce may also be suggesting to the reader that people can reclaim their freedom by disassociating themselves from the Church. However the important thing to note is that the narrator, despite Father Flynn’s death, feels a sense of freedom. In essence he is not feeling as he is expecting to feel considering he had such a close bond with Father Flynn. It is also interesting that the narrator is annoyed with himself over his new sense of freedom. After reading the death notice on the door of Father Flynn’s home the narrator while he is walking away ‘found it strange that neither I nor the day seemed in a mournful mood and I felt even annoyed at discovering in myself a sensation of freedom.’ This statement is significant as it is through it that the reader realises that the narrator is no longer tied to the teachings of Father Flynn. The idea or theme of freedom also appears to be explored in the story. Again this inaction would suggest a paralysis. There is also the fact that Father Flynn wanted (at some stage) to visit the old home where he was born (in Irishtown), though never got the opportunity. Again this inability or inaction of Father Flynn would suggest a sense of paralysis. The reader also learns that the narrator had to prepare Father Flynn’s snuff for him, he was unable to do so himself. By giving Old Cotter an opinion, Joyce may be suggesting that the narrator, because he is following the teachings of Father Flynn, is likewise paralysed. Old Cotter feels that the narrator should be like other children, free to play rather than restricting or confining himself to the practices and teachings of the Church which the narrator spends his time learning from Father Flynn. Also the narrator does not appear to spend any time playing with his peers, despite Old Cotter considering it important. There is the obvious fact that Father Flynn has suffered a third stroke, which leaves him paralysed (Joyce may also be suggesting that not only is Father Flynn paralysed but that the Catholic Church too is paralysed). Taken from his Dubliners collection the story is narrated in the first person by an young unnamed boy and after first reading the story the reader realises that Joyce may be exploring the theme of paralysis. In The Sisters by James Joyce we have the theme of paralysis and freedom.

The sisters dubliners