Priest

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of child sexual abuse, death by suicide, gender discrimination, sexual content, and cursing.

“It’s no secret that reconciliation is the least popular sacrament. I had many theories as to why: pride, inconvenience, loss of spiritual autonomy. But my prevailing theory at the moment was this fucking booth.”

The emphasis on reconciliation, or confession, foreshadows the place in the church where Tyler and Poppy begin their relationship. The diction—specifically, the word “fucking”—provides a clue that Tyler isn’t a stereotypical priest.

“I was a priest. I was sworn to God not to know another’s body while I lived—not even to know my own body, if we were getting technical about it.”

Tyler explains The Tension Between Sexual Desire and Christian Morality. As a Catholic priest, he took a vow of celibacy, so his sexuality is even more restricted than that of most Christians. The verb “know” in this context alludes to language used in the Bible and suggests that, with Poppy, Tyler will embark on a journey of self-discovery as well as sexual discovery.

“It’s supposed to be like the world’s best strip club. But no one knows what it’s called or where it is, not until you’re personally invited. Word is that they don’t let you come until your annual clears a million a year.”

Tyler’s brother Aidan details the adult entertainment venue—a space that plays a critical role in the story. The club’s exclusivity reflects Poppy’s elite appeal. Tyler connects the two and realizes that Poppy likely worked there.