Doubt

Lecturer Visual Arts and Film Studies Doubt a Parable Question By saying, ” Theres something silent under every person and under every play. There is something unsaid under any given society as well,” John Patrick Shanley confirms there are a lot of unveiled truths in Doubt a Parable. In fact, this play has a lot of unsaid secrets such as the molestations of Donald Muller by Father Flynn. Although Sister Aloysius believes that he was molested, no one knows exactly what happened because it is not revealed in the play. Basically, the same scenario applied to real life situation especially in the contemporary society. A lot of secrets are shielded from the public. In USA, there are lots of untold stories revolving around intelligence, security and the government. Ordinary Americans do not understand the operatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and National Intelligence Agency (NIA). They do not let people know the exact reasons behind their activities such as domestic and international surveillance on individuals’ secret communications.
In order to make this play more appealing, Shanley had to incorporate the use of antithesis, motif, metaphor, symbols, themes, and analogy. These are very important devices which enabled him to deliver his message to the intended audience. The element of antithesis is evidenced when he juxtaposes two opposing ideas. For instance, it is successfully used by comparing and contrasting the young liberal and friendly Father Flynn and the conservative Sister Aloysius; Irish students and black students; and the guilty and innocent Father Flynn. These are instances which are very important in the play because they help in promoting the development of the plot and thematic concerns. For instance, by comparing the guilt and innocence of the priest, the play brings out Sister Aloysius as a very suspecting and doubtful character that can not actually make a concrete decision based on the ‘ allegations labeled against the priest’ (Brantley). Just like her, the audience is left wondering about the actual truth about this matter.
Question 2
In my own imagination, I think the best word to use to describe Father Flynn is shrewd. Although Sister Aloysius accuses him of molesting the young Donald, the actual truth about his innocence or guilt is not known. However, I would like to suggest that he is innocent of all the accusations. After failing to prove them, Sister Aloysius tries to screw him by allegedly learning of his misconduct in his previous mission through a phone call. With all the unresolved mysteries surrounding this matter, I would like to categorically state that Father Flynn is not guilty as alleged, but is just a victim of circumstantial evidence. After all, his earlier sermons on gossips foreshadow this misfortunate ordeal.
Works Cited
Brantley, Ben (2004-11-04). ” A Nun Who Is Certain, Even if Truth Is Not”. New York: New York Times.