Doubt, a parable -- by John Patrick Shanley (2005)

Description

John Patrick Shanley makes a wise decision to describe this play as a "parable." The incredibly short play, lasting at most 90-minutes, weighs heavily on the audience's conscience. Shanley includes a preface in the print which serves as a forewarning: the play unsettles its audience. His story spotlights the role of doubt in life. Complacent beliefs have no merit to Shanley, as he grapples with certainty.

The play requires only four actors for the nine short scenes. Set in 1964, Sister Aloysius is the principal at St. Nicholas catholic church and school in the Bronx. Her personality is best described as unwavering. She assumes the image of strict, no-nonsense nun. Sister Aloysius mentors, or chastises (depends on how you look at it), the young Sister James. Sister Aloysius challenges Sister James' pedagogical philosophy, urging Sister James to be more "cold." In the midst of their conversations, Sister James reveals that the only young African-American student at the school, Donald Muller, an 8th-grader, has been acting oddly. Sister A has been curious about Father Flynn and his relationship with the boys. Sister James confides in Sister A that Father Flynn had once called Donald to the rectory alone and Donald returned with alcohol on his breath and put his head down on his desk.

Sister Aloysisus takes this news as a clear indication of foul-play. Therefore, a series of confrontations are scheduled. First, Sister A demands a meeting with Father Flynn and Sister James. Father Flynn takes offence to her suggestions. Next, Sister A meets with Donald's mother. Mrs. Muller's reaction surprises Sister A. Immediately following that meeting, Father Flynn unloads upon Sister A. He argues that Sister has absolutely no evidence of what occurred and therefore he cannot be rightly accused of anything. In their back-and-forth, Sister A stands her ground. I will not spoil the ending, other than to say that the audience is left with the title by the end of the play. As soon as it is over, the audience is bound to ask: "Well, what do you think really happened?" Based on facts, I believe there is no way of knowing.

Most individuals do not love to dwell in doubt, no less experience a moment's worth of doubt. This play challenges the audience members to reconsider what roles belief and doubt play in their lives. For that, the play is an essential read.      

The play won several Tony Awards. Watch some clips of the stage version here. The play was adapted for film and featured an all-star lineup: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis. Watch the trailer here.

Candid Reactions

• Father Flynn's description of what despair feels like is perfect.
• Dear Evan Hansen anyone? 
• Sister A asserts, "The best teachers do not perform, they cause the students to perform" (11). I think I ultimately agree, but teachers have to engage the students to perform (and thus give a performance, right?). 
• Ah, the first utterance of the title. 
• Father Flynn seems a little peculiar with his emphasis on routine and cleanliness. 
• Oh no. 
• It is interesting for Sister James to say that when she looks at the world with suspicious eyes, "It feels as if I'm less close to God" (20). I feel it's a shame she feels that way. 
• Wait, how did it take a week for Sister James to tell Sister A about the whole Donald situation? 
• Some great dramatic irony in Sister A's lines . . .
• FROSTY THE SNOWMAN WAS SHUT. DOWN.
• Sister A rebuts their argument about being warmer to the students by noting, "But we are not members of their family. We're different" (30). I wonder what the general population's thoughts are about her stance. 
• Sister A could have been an attorney: "I would prefer a discussion of fact rather than tone" (32). 
• Father Flynn's analogy of gossip was great!
• Okay, so it is definitely concerning that Father Flynn pushes, "The truth makes for a bad sermon" (39). 
• That crow is rather ominous. 
• Wow, I was not expecting Donald's mother to react the way she is. What is this saying as a social commentary about the times they were living in?
• To have no proof, but certainty about a conviction . . . is that enough?
• This penultimate scene is INTENSE. They are pulling NO punches.
• Sister A tells Sister J at the end, "Maybe we're not supposed to sleep so well" (58). What a bold, convicting statement. 
• JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU HAD REASONABLE EVIDENCE OR SUGGESTIONS . . . WHY YOU GOTTA PLAY US LIKE THAT SHANLEY?

Top Two Aspects/Reasons for Winning

1. Unsettling Subjects

Unfortunately, there have been ongoing stereotypes and true cases of inappropriate relationships between members of the church and the church's youth. The play focuses on this scandalous habit.

Additionally, the play forces the audience to consider the role of doubt in their lives--how it can be both harmful and helpful. I will not repeat what I have already discussed in "Description."

2. Concise Writing

To address such huge topics in just 90-minutes is difficult. To avoid preachiness (pun intended again) in the writing is a challenge. The play truly reads like a parable and provides enough context for rich, difficult discussion.

Classroom Implications

I think this play would be quite appropriate to read in a college setting, and it might particularly be appropriate at a Christian-oriented school.

As for teaching this text in a secondary public school . . . I know students read much more graphic material. The play merely suggests foul play occurred. I believe the play would be too controversial in terms of religion to read at school, but I think it could spark important conversations about faith, certainty/doubt/belief, and the role of facts in argumentation.

Personal Takeaway

Doubt is a strange presence in life, with potential for strengthening beliefs.

Ranking

	Dialogue	Characters	Plot/Conflict	Symbol/Literary Devices	Overall Enjoyment	TOTAL SCORE 9.0
0	Unfollowable; unrealistic; diction does not match character	Undeveloped; does not reflect humanity	Not engaging; predictable; reader can step away from text because it isn’t gripping	Devices are apparent for cleverness and do not enhance the story	Reader has no interest in re-reading play
1	Not consistently realistic	Well-developed; most depictions reflect humanity	Semi-engaging; some unnecessary plot-points	Devices somewhat enhance story  (1.5)	Reader would re-read with pleasure and reminded of work
2	Realistic; connotative; diction matches characters (2)	Fully-developed; depictions reflect humanity (1.75)	Engaging; unique; reader finds it impossible to put down text because the conflict is so gripping! (1.75)	Devices seamlessly enhance the story and provide rich interpretation	Reader would re-read the play on own volition, enthusiastically (2)