Introduction
Doubt, a Parable is a play based on a story by John Patrick Shanley that happens in 1964 in a Catholic school in New York’s northernmost borough, the Bronx. The story emerges when Sister James, a newly appointed teacher at the school, develops doubts that the relationship between Father Flynn, a priest, and a student is appropriate. She confides in Sister Aloysius, the principal, about this fear. The story unfolds when Sister Aloysius attempts to get to the bottom of this allegation. Through this attempt, her character traits emerge. She is not only watchful, but also unsentimental, and strict. This paper provides a character analysis of Sister Aloysius, indicating that she is strict, conservative and unsentimental.
First, she is strict. Sister Aloysius is the kind of person who believes in maintaining a strict adherence to rules and doing everything in her power to enforce order. Sister Aloysius makes sure that all students learn proper handwriting without using ball points. She says, “ballpoints make them press down, and when they press down, they write like monkeys” (Shanley 10). These words show that she insists on the boys following the rules even in as small a matter as handwriting. Sister Aloysius views herself as an authority figure who should be obeyed. She believes that she carries the will of God. She regards discipline highly and does not expect the students to like her.
Secondly, she is watchful. She is also the kind of person who likes to know what is going on around her. When Sister James confides in her, she pressures her teachers to be vigilant and look for any signs that may confirm Father Flynn’s unwanted and unprofessional advances towards minor boys. For example, she lectures Sister James on the need for skepticism. She says, “good teachers are never contentyou must be canny, Sister James” (Shanley 12). These words underline Sister Aloysius’ attempt to underline the need for the teachers to be vigilant and watchful. She also watches the boys carefully to try and discern if there are any signs that point to truth in the allegations that Sister James raises.
Thirdly, Sister Aloysius is unsentimental. She has not time to be sentimental in the course of discharging her duties because she believes that the world is a cruel and unfair place. This harshness, however, represents her strong feelings regarding the responsibility that comes with being in her position. She admonitions Sister James that there is irresponsibility in innocence. She says that "boys are made of gravel, soot and tar paper. Boys are a different breed" (Shanley 12). These words clearly show that Sister Aloysius has not time for sentiment. She believes that boys should be handled heavy-handedly because they are tough. She is not sentimental about her job.
Conclusion
Sister Aloysius’ character traits emerge in the play Doubt, a Parable after she decides to investigate the allegations that Father Flynn is having inappropriate relations with one of the students. She emerges as strict, watchful and unsentimental. First, she is strict because she expects a strict adherence to the rules. Secondly, she is watchful. She asks the teachers to be more vigilant and leads by example in this regard. Thirdly, she is unsentimental about her job and how to do it. She does not waste time being overly kind or caring but believes in delivering teachings to other teachers and the students even when these teachings cause them to dislike her. Overall, this play presents an interesting chance to explore the characters.
Work Cited
Doubt, A Parable. New York City, U.S.A: John Patrick Shanley, 2004. film.
