First Confession by Frank O’Connor

Categories: Short Story

In First Confessions Frank O’Connor provides a short story that is narrated in first person by a seven-year-old boy named Jackie. He is having rough times due to his grandmother and sister, Nora. He starts narrating the vicissitudes he goes through due to the way his grandmother is and his sister’s attitude towards him to please her grandmother. Jackie’s biggest fear at this time it his first confession and communion which are coming soon. He has been prepared for this by a lady named Mrs.

Ryan. She has instilled in Jackie the sense of being a sinner and the consequences of this.

This has affected the boy so, that he keeps thinking he will be punished for his biggest sin: wanting the death of his grandmother and sister. The author uses a lighthearted, humorous style to tell the story. We find it in Jackie’s narrative of his grandmother: “She has a fat, wrinkled old face, and to Mother’s great indignation went round the house in bare feet”.

Get quality help now
Sweet V
Sweet V
checked Verified writer

Proficient in: Free Essays

star star star star 4.9 (984)

“ Ok, let me say I’m extremely satisfy with the result while it was a last minute thing. I really enjoy the effort put in. ”

avatar avatar avatar
+84 relevant experts are online
Hire writer

The humor also is in the incident when Jackie fell in the confessional and the way the priest receives his confession. The language throughout the story is also humorous and lighthearted.

Even when Nora is harassing her brother there is humor in their exchange. In the First Confession, there are different symbolisms. Nora represents hypocrisy. She has two faces, one for her grandmother in order to get the penny that she provides while on the other hand, she mortifies her brother at all times.

Get to Know The Price Estimate For Your Paper
Topic
Number of pages
Email Invalid email

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

"You must agree to out terms of services and privacy policy"
Write my paper

You won’t be charged yet!

Mrs. Ryan symbolizes Hell, with her stories of what happens to people who sin. The priest symbolizes Heaven and all things good in the way he sides with Jackie giving him only three Hail Marys and also a candy.

Updated: Mar 10, 2023
Cite this page

First Confession by Frank O’Connor. (2017, Jan 25). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/first-confession-frank-oconnor-essay

First Confession by Frank O’Connor essay
Live chat  with support 24/7

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

get help with your assignment