Rosicrucian refers to a secretive, ascetic order founded
by the legendary Christian Rosenkreuz, who may or may not be an actual historical
figure. (Early 17th century). Rosicricianism is the philosophy of a secret
mystic/religious society founded during this (17th cent.) time, which was built on
esoteric truths; concealed from the average person. It is said to have influenced other
secretive societies such as the Freemasons.
In the context
of the Joyce story, the uncle refers to the boy as Rosicrician because the boy spends
too much time with the priest; not enough playing outside. You can draw different
interpretations here, but the main point is that, while the boy's family knows the
priest has been somewhat of a mentor, they don't know exactly all the things the priest
and boy talked about or did together. There may be an implication of misconduct here,
but that is subject to interpretation. I think the point is simply about secrecy as it
applies to the hidden nature of Church doctrine, which is alluded to in the story; and
of course, the closeted feature of the confessional, secrets and hidden spaces. Given
that the last image of the priest is in the confessional and the coffin, there is
probably something to that - perhaps the analogy of being isolated from the world; or
more in tune to the spiritual (being dead, close to god, etc.). This is certainly
possible considering the Rosicrucian Order claimed extraordinary communication with the
spiritual realm.
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