Doubt: A Parable

Use this activity to engage all types of learners while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Debating Doubt”

In this activity, students will use collaborative learning and critical thinking to debate whether they agree with Sister Aloysius’s actions in the play.

Shanley’s play ends on an ambiguous note: Sister Aloysius succeeds in forcing Father Flynn to leave St. Nicholas, but doubts linger. Though the play’s denouement suggests that Father Flynn is not entirely innocent, it remains unclear what exactly he is guilty of. Sister Aloysius never manages to convince anybody but herself of her suspicions, and, in the last scene of the play, she confesses that she herself is tortured by doubts.

In this assignment, students will be divided into two groups: One group will argue in favor of Sister Aloysius’s actions, while the other group will argue against them. Each group should consider the following points as they prepare for the debate:

• Why does Sister Aloysius believe that Father Flynn engaged in sexual misconduct? What is her evidence?
• How does Father Flynn defend himself against Sister Aloysius’s accusations? Are his claims believable? Why?
• How do Donald and the members of the community feel about Father Flynn?
• Does Father Flynn represent a positive or negative force in the community? Why?

Once both sides have drawn up their arguments, there will be an in-class debate. Each group can present their opening argument and then take turns attempting to rebut the other side. After a predetermined number of rounds, the instructor can name a winner.

Teaching Suggestion: As in any class debate, it may be beneficial to remind students to address and treat each other with respect. Consider setting ground rules (e.g., time limits for each side to make their arguments or rebuttals) before the debate begins. In giving points, you might consider not only the strength of the arguments but also the presentation and style with which they are delivered.

Differentiation Suggestion: For students who would benefit from assistance with abstract thinking, it might be useful to set frames or context to help them prepare their arguments. For example, students might benefit from thinking about right and wrong on a more concrete level: What makes somebody good or bad? What are examples of good and bad actions? You may also wish to direct students to the concrete references and/or attitudes about right and wrong highlighted in the text. Graphic organizers, such as a Venn diagram or T-chart, might also be useful for a more visual approach.

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. In his sermon in the opening of the play, Father Flynn says that “doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty” (Scene 1, Page 6).

• What is the overall role of doubt within the play? (topic sentence)
• Discuss the way doubt acts as a “bond” that brings the characters together. Explain your ideas carefully and include specific references to the text. 
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, evaluate the play as a parable about doubt and address the significance of the lesson being conveyed.

2. The play is set in 1964, in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement and shortly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

• How does the play’s setting influence the story? (topic sentence)
• Analyze the play through the lens of its historical context, performing close readings of specific scenes and using quotations from the text.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, reflect on how the story may have ended differently if it were set during a different time period.

3. Father Flynn is never officially proven guilty in the play, despite continued suspicion and doubt. Thus, one of the central themes of the play is Suspicion Versus Innocence.

• How is innocence depicted in the play? (topic sentence)
• Analyze the way innocence is seen by the different characters in the play. In your response, consider the power of suspicion and the role it plays alongside the characters’ ideas of innocence.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, reflect upon whether you believe any of the characters to be truly innocent and discuss why this is significant.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. At the end of Scene 7, Sister James tells Father Flynn that she believes him. What is it that makes Sister James believe Father Flynn over Sister Aloysius? Do you think that Sister James believes Father Flynn because of the lack of evidence against him, or because she wants to believe him? Cite specific passages from the text to support your argument.

2. Father Flynn says, “What actually happens in life is beyond interpretation. The truth makes a bad sermon” (Scene 7, Page 39). Do you agree with this statement? How does it relate to Shanley’s classification of his play as a parable? In your response, consider how Father Flynn’s statement relates to one or more of the text’s central themes: Innocence Versus Suspicion, Isolation, and/or Hierarchy and Gender.

3. At the end of his preface, Shanley states that “we’ve got to learn to live with a full measure of uncertainty. There is no last word” (Preface, Pages ix-x). Why does Shanley believe it so important to live with doubt? Are the characters in the play able to live with uncertainty? Cite specific passages from the text to support your argument.

Multiple Choice and Long Answer Questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, exams, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. Why does Father Flynn say, “Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty” (Scene 1, Page 6)?

A) Because God encourages doubt

B) Because the Church encourages doubt

C) Because those who doubt are not alone

D) Because certainty is more illusory than doubt

2. Which of the following quotes best represents Shanley’s characterization of Sister James?

A) “There’s a bit of sunshine in her heart, though she’s reserved as well” (Scene 2, Page 7).

B) “Don’t be charmed by cleverness. Not theirs. And not yours” (Scene 2, Page 11).

C) “Satisfaction is a vice” (Scene 2, Page 12).

D) “When you take a step to address wrongdoing, you are taking a step away from God, but in His service” (Scene 1, Page 6).

3. How does Sister Aloysius make Sister James cry?

A) By telling her that she suspects Father Flynn of untoward behavior

B) By challenging her religious beliefs

C) By claiming she is unable to understand complicated matters

D) By telling her to be less enthusiastic in class

4. When does Father Flynn begin taking an interest in Donald Muller?

A) When he first comes to St. Nicholas

B) When he joins his gym class

C) When he starts getting bullied

D) When he joins the altar boys

5. What about Donald makes Sister Aloysius particularly concerned about him?

A) His poverty

B) His race

C) His high intelligence

D) His physical weakness

6. Which of the following quotes best illustrates why Sister Aloysius feels she cannot wait for hard evidence against Father Flynn?

A) “Here, there’s no man I can go to, and men run everything” (Scene 4, Page 22).

B) “It is not your place to be complacent. That’s for the children. That’s what we give them” (Scene 4, Page 20).

C) “But innocence can only be wisdom in a world without evil” (Scene 4, Page 24).

D) “The most innocent actions can appear sinister to the poisoned mind” (Scene 7, Page 40).

7. What does Sister Aloysius expect to happen if she takes her suspicions about Father Flynn to Monsignor Benedict?

A) Monsignor Benedict will fire Sister Aloysius.

B) Monsignor Benedict will excommunicate Father Flynn.

C) Monsignor Benedict will not investigate adequately.

D) Monsignor Benedict will tell her to do what she thinks is right.

8. Why must Father Flynn dismiss Donald as an altar boy?

A) Because he is Black

B) Because he commits blasphemy

C) Because he drank altar wine

D) Because Sister Aloysius tells him to

9. Why does Sister James believe Sister Aloysius is accusing Father Flynn?

A) Because he is a man

B) Because she is jealous of her

C) Because they have a difficult history together

D) Because she does not like his progressive thinking

10. Why does Father Flynn say he did not get Sister Aloysius removed for her behavior?

A) Because he is in love with her

B) Because he does not want to tear the school apart

C) Because he does not believe in revenge

D) Because he feels guilty for his misdeeds

11. What does Donald’s father do to him after he is dismissed as an altar boy?

A) He comforts him.

B) He beats him.

C) He asks Father Flynn to reconsider.

D) He tries to withdraw him from St. Nicholas.

12. What is Mrs. Muller implying when she tells Sister Aloysius that Donald is “that way” (Scene 8, Page 48)?

A) That he did not steal the altar wine

B) That he suffers from alcoholism

C) That he is an atheist

D) That he is gay

13. Which quote best illustrates the Church hierarchy?

A) “There are people who go after your humanity, Sister James, who tell you the light in your heart is a weakness” (Scene 7, Page 41).

B) “I will do what needs to be done, Father, if it means I’m damned to Hell!” (Scene 8, Page 54).

C) “You’re not going against no man in a robe and win, Sister. He’s got the position” (Scene 8, Page 47).

D) “Every easy choice today will have its consequence tomorrow” (Scene 2, Page 9).

14. How does Donald respond to Father Flynn’s departure?

A) He is heartbroken.

B) He is glad that he is gone.

C) He is confused.

D) He is unable to sleep.

15. Why does Sister James tell Sister Aloysius that she can no longer sleep well?

A) Because she is concerned about her sick brother

B) Because she saw Father Flynn do something inappropriate

C) Because she feels guilty

D) Because everything is so uncertain

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. How does Sister Aloysius finally get Father Flynn to leave St. Nicholas? What happens to Father Flynn?

2. What is the significance of Sister Aloysius’s exclamation in the final act: “I have doubts! I have such doubts!” (Scene 9, Page 58)?