Doubt A Parable Analysis

Have you ever been in a situation that everything that is happening seems so unsure to you, and you just cannot catch the accurate moment to make an ascertain statement? In the play, Doubt: A Parable by John Patrick Shanley, Sister Aloysius is accusing Father Flynn of having an unhealthy relationship with one of the students in her school. Based on the evidence in Patrick Shanley’s play, Doubt: A Parable, I conclude Father Flynn is guilty because of his actions and words.

Firstly, Father Flynn is guilty because of his actions. First instance, Father Flynn refuses to talk about Donald Muller. During the discussion in the office, Sister Aloysius mentions Donald Muller, but Father Flynn refuses to talk about him: “Flynn: What are we talking

The words to the boys suggest he is guilty. When Father Flynn is with the boys during physical education class, he says, “Flynn: Now on another matter, I’ve noticed several of you guys have dirty nails…I like them a little long, but look at how clean they are. That makes it okay” (Shanley 16). He is telling the boys that it is okay to have long nails as long as it is clean. However, the readers can take it as he is telling the boys that it is okay to commit crimes as long as you do not get caught. Long nails are also a symbol of being a predator. Long nails show that he is hunting the boys down like a prey. Therefore, Father Flynn is guilty base on the words that he said to the

However, some individuals might think that he is innocent. Others may say that Father Flynn did not tell the truth because he does not want Sister Aloysius and Sister James to get into trouble. When Sister James sits on the bench, Father Flynn enters and starts a conversation with Sister James. During their conversation, Father Flynn says, “Flynn: The only reason I haven’t gone to the monsignor is I don’t want to tear apart the school…You might lose your place as well” (Shanley 40). Father Flynn wants to keep Sister Aloysius and Sister James out of trouble. He wants the school to operate normally for the students, and he cares about the students. Father Flynn’s conversation with Sister James suggests that he did not tell Sister Aloysius because he wants to help Donald Muller. However, this position is flawed because Father Flynn does not want Monsignor Benedict to know his crime. He is trying to prove to Sister Aloysius that he is innocent but his action does not show it. After Mrs. Muller leaves the office, Father Flynn forces himself into the office without a required third party: “Sister Aloysius: A third party if truly required. Father. Flynn: No, Sister. No third party. You and me are due for a talk…I need to make an appointment to see the bishop” (Shanley 50-56). Father Flynn’s action is contrasting from what he said to Sister James. He shows that he cares about Sister Aloysius and Sister James in the church, but, later on, he forces himself