The News Beneath

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses the story "News for the Church" by Frank O'Connor. The writer analyzes the characters in this story in which a young girl visits the church in order to make a confession. The writer notes that to a casual reader, it may look as though the young country girl brings in the news to Father Cassidy, a kind-hearted, compassionate caring father; however, a closer reading reveals that the priest is also a sinner. Further, the writer points out that after a careful reading, the news beneath the news is revealed to the reader regarding the priest's immoral makeup. The writer concludes that the true character of the Father is revealed as he digs deep and asks uncomfortable personal questions, then forgetting to give penance and forgiveness to the young girl.

From the Paper:

"At first, Father Cassidy resembles a kind, compassionate and naive priest who considers the girl's confession peculiar. He is sympathetic towards the young girl. He thinks no real badness can come from this adolescent, and he is surprised to find out that she goes to confession often. But, he knows better than to let himself rely on the appearance and looks of a woman to decide her character. From experience, he knows first impressions can be deceiving, and he can never tell if a woman is a saint or a sinner just by a glance. He asks a few questions, and she manages to charm him with her bold and candid manner. Because his mind is not as sharp at sixty as it used to be at a younger age, he allows himself to be her confident."
"He starts to empathize with the girl, especially when he finds out that the convent school and the nuns are the reasons she is drinking. Also, he takes into account the fact that the girl grew up without her mother's care and supervision; therefore, he thinks it is understandable for her to drown her sadness in alcohol once in a while."

Sample of Sources Used:

• O'Connor, Frank. "News for the Church." Collected Stories. New York: Vintage, 1982. 121-128.

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