"First Confession" - Literary Analysis

“First Confession” by Frank O’Connor is a story about Jackie, the protagonist and narrator. Jackie’s sister, Nora, plays the role of the antagonist. Jackie’s grandmother is another antagonist in the story, as well as being a static character. Conflicts are featured throughout the story, especially man vs. self. Jackie has conflicting opinions about attending confession. Confrontations also frequently emerge between Jackie and Nora. O’Connor illustrates the setting when Jackie enters the church. O’Connor writes a simile, “…the wind whistled outside so that the silence within seemed to crackle like ice under my feet” (38) that brings the image to life. Symbolism is revealed when the teacher uses the candle flame to demonstrate what hell would be like.

This story is about expressing your sins and realizing that it is alright to have terrible thoughts sometimes. However, it is important to control yourself and understand the consequences of your actions. I was somewhat surprised by the characterization of the priest. The priest sided with Jackie when discussing the situation that happened with Nora and the bread-knife, saying that someone would go after Nora someday.