Doubt John Patrick Shanley Analysis

Doubting How the Priest and the Nun Deal with Children

John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt, published in 2005, focuses on the both professional and nonprofessional relationships between the residents of a Catholic school in Bronx in 1964. The motivation and nature of the presiding priest’s encounters with an altar boy are questioned by the up-tight superior nun. This play causes the audience to examine their own doubts about the changing personalities of the characters throughout the progression of the scenes as the characters depict different ways of handling the children in the school.

Sister Aloysius, the principal of the school, builds her values upon a foundation of tradition, fairness and control which is an unacceptable and outdated method for presiding over

a school meant to inspire learning in children. She mandates that all the other sisters who are teachers report to her any misdemeanors so they can be handled quickly by the hierarchy of power within the Catholic Church. When faced with the problem of new learning styles and artistic classes, Sister Aloysius’ values are viewed as outdated and restrictive. There are many arguments that arise from her lack of flexibility about the Christmas pageant and non-religious songs. This limiting quality translates itself into an unhealthy relationship emotionally with the children of the school. Sister Aloysius maintains her authority out of fear, whereas Sister James, the eighth grade teacher, cultivates an enjoyable learning environment. Her oppressive nature also puts her at odds with Father Flynn, the school’s priest and male mentor, who chastises her methods by saying, “She’s like a block of ice! Children need warmth, kindness, understanding!” (VII) Sister Aloysius’ principles are not ideal for the school as the world becomes more progressive moving into the late sixties and she must update her ways and adopt similar methods to that of Father Flynn. By doing so, the aura of the schools would become more nurturing and uplifting for the children to learn and thrive in.
Father Flynn’s ways of interacting and inspiring the children are the more constructive way for running a school. Unlike Sister Aloysius cold demeanor, Father Flynn radiates feelings of warmth and acceptance. In his sermons, he actively engages the listener with methodical stories to help improve one’s faith and live a better life. He even evokes laughter from the eighth grade boys when talking to them about the psychological toughness of free throws in basket. This shows that he is relatable to all ages in all situations by inspiring them to listen and be clean in how they live their lives. Father Flynn is even able to have an active conversation with Sister James about, “Love. Not suspicion, disapproval and judgment. Love of all people” (VII). His ideas of integrating new radio songs into the Christmas pageant and being more open to the community foster feelings of acceptance and progress. He appeals to the emotional needs of the children and helping them grow individually. For example he takes the only African-American student, Donald, under his wing and tries to protect him from further embarrassment when it was discovered he could be let go from being an altar boy. The school in the play needs to update their policies to match the openness of Father Flynn’s attitude and intoxicatingly engaging nature. His relationship with the children shows that his values are founded on building relationships instead of the frigid nature of Sister Aloysius.
However, the question of treatment of the students physically arises from the circumstances brought forth by the play. Although Father Flynn may have a better trusting relationship with the student, this can blind him from seeing the deep emotional scars he may be causing by the alleged acts he is performing in the rectory. For hundreds of years the idea of sexual abuse between priests and altar boys has been alluded to, but rarely was solid evidence brought forth. The lack of evidence along with the hierarchy of power is the conundrum which Sister Aloysius finds herself lost in after having suspicions about Father Flynn and Donald. With the lack of evidence at the end of the production, the audience is left doubting which character holds of guilt of either abuse or false accusations. Father Flynn’s reactions to the threat of calling his past parish seem to be blame enough, but the fact of Sister Aloysius self-doubt in the end causes unsettledness in the viewers. Whichever way they choose, the audience members are still left to reexamine the personality differences between the two members of the Church orders and how that effects their relationship with the students.
At first, Sister Aloysius’s methods of strict rules and coldness make her appear to not be looking out for the student’s best interest.

However, it is exactly her acute eye for detail and concern for the overall wellbeing of the school and upholding of tradition that causes her to investigate into Donald’s case. She ultimately wants the absolute best for all the children and all follow her gut certainty to make it happen. This is unlike Father Flynn who may care for all the children, but also chooses favorites that can get him into trouble. The audience is forced to recognize that although Father Flynn may appear to have Donald’s interest at heart, which may not be the case behind closed doors. His lack of attention to details and fair treatment for all children causes Father Flynn to bend the rules in favor of himself. Not everyone appears to remain how their characters first appear in this play. The uptight nun can have a soft spot for looking out for the children while the ever loving priest may be too free with the comfort he gives, either way, there is always some forms of doubt. There is never a clear path to take when forming relationships with students and trying to inspire them to learn and

thrive.