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of the school, builds her values upon a foundation of tradition, fairness and control which is an unacceptable and outdated method for presiding over

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