Sister Aloysius Character in Doubt Parable, Essay Example

The play in the parable “Doubt” depicts the character of Sister Aloysius which is a depiction of the fact that, it is impossible to know anything with certainty and doubt is associated with an infinite nature that facilitates growth and change to prevail while certainty remains a dead-end. Sister Aloysius is a principal at St. Nicholas Church School located at Bronx. The father of the church that hosts the school, Father Flynn is suspected of having a sexual relationship with a student of African-American background called Donald Miller. His first appearance in the play is when he delivers a sermon concerning the relevance of uncertainty with a message that doubt is as a powerful bond as sustaining certainty. Sister Aloysius is involved in an investigation of the allegations leveled against Father Flynn. According to the conviction of Sister Aloysius, Father Flynn has been accused of abusing the African-American child who is lonely and lost but Father Flynn denies the allegations and tries to proof his innocence. The witness to this episode was Sister James, a naïve and young teacher who has some scaly ideas although she is uncertain. Sister Aloysius is determined to do the best in her might to expose the actions of Father Flynn but the limitations are lack of sufficient evidence that can sustain a conviction. Sister Aloysius says as she cries, “I have doubts. I have such doubts” (Shanley, 2005).

As Sister James makes some revelations concerning the one-on-one meeting between Donald Miller and Father Flynn, Sister Aloysius becomes more convinced that there is need to investigate Father Flynn and this escalates the direct conflict between the two. This prompts Sister Aloysius to say that, “I will step outside the church if that’s what needs to be done, ’til the door should shut behind me! I will do what needs to be done, though I’m damned to Hell! You should understand that, or you will mistake me” (Shanley, 2005). The revelations made by Sister James translates to a mysterious circumstances that further prop up the belief of Sister Aloysius concerning the occurrence of a sexual misconduct against the hopeless African-American student, Donald Miller. Sister Aloysius embraces the opportunity of a private meeting that is anticipated to address issues of Christmas pageant to confront Father Flynn openly in the presence of Sister James concerning the alleged suspicions. However, Father Flynn strongly denies the allegations with a sense of anger and mitigates that, Donald was caught drinking the alter wine and that, he was only disciplining the student. Father Flynn further reiterates that, he had offered protection to the boy in the past from being punished. The explanations given by Father Flynn gives a sense of relief to Sister James, but Sister Aloysius decides to give a sermon about evils of gossip in the next church attendance. The dissatisfaction of Sister Aloysius about the explanation given prompts her to meet the boy’s mother who ignores her accusations and supports the relationship between the boy and Father Flynn. According to Sister Aloysius, Father Flynn “only want things to be resolved so he can have simplicity back” (Shanley, 2005). As Father Flynn tries to intimidate Sister Aloysius with removal from her position, she is strong enough to tell him that the parish was against past infringements. This prompts Father Flynn to stick to his innocence claims and despite frantic efforts to plead with  Aloysius, she maintains that he should resign to avoid being disgraced publicly. At this point, Father Flynn consults the bishop for a transfer.

Works cited

Shanley, John Patrick. Doubt: A Parable. New York: Theatre Communications, 2005.