Responsibility In John Patrick Shanley's Doubt: A Parable

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The care of a child has no boundaries
The protection of ones’ child is something that is prioritized and focused on by majority of people. In John Patrick Shanley’s play Doubt: A Parable, a mother, and a principle have different views on how to help each of their children. Sister Aloysius, is a principle who has suspicion to believe a priest by the name of Father Flynn has sexually abused one of her students. She has no proof of her suspicion, but is persistent in investigating for proof until he is removed from her school. Mrs. Muller is the mother of the boy who was suspected to have been abused. She is looking to protect her son by keeping him away from his father, and keeping him focused in school so he can have an education. Doing so would require her to deny the allegations of her son being abused. Some may concur that Sister Aloysius is going out of proportion to prove her suspicion, and that Mrs. Muller is a terrible mother for not protecting her son from a possible predator. Their restlessness and renunciation characterizes how people will go through any obstacle to protect their young. …show more content…

Without finding any evidence to prove her allegations are true against Father Flynn, Sister Aloysius pursues her beliefs. She speaks with Father Flynn saying “You will request a transfer from this parish. You will take a leave of absence until it is granted.” (Shanley 49). By saying this Father Flynn is in fear of his reputation and has nowhere to go to as he tries to convince her to give him mercy. “Please! Are we people? Am I a person flesh and blood like you? Even if you feel certainty, it is an emotion and not a fact”

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