1. M.H. Abrams, in his Glossary of LiteraryTerms, defines a parable as “a very short narrative about human beings presented so as to stress the tacit analogy or parallel with a general thesis or lesson that the narrator is trying to bring home to his or her audience.” Shanley subtitles his play “a parable.” What is the "general thesis or lesson" that Shanley is trying to convey?(Refer to the “Preface,” for a strong hint.)
2. Shanley dedicates the play to “the many orders of Catholic nuns who have devoted their lives to serving others.” Why would he dedicate the play to them? What does his dedication imply? Given the character of Sister Aloysius, does this dedication seem ironic?
3. In the “Preface,” Shanley criticizes the fact that “we are living in a culture of extreme advocacy, of confrontation, of judgment, and of verdict.” In what sense might the play itself be considered an attempt to remedy this cultural trend. Provide examples to support your stance.
4. The play’s preface ends with the statement that “The beginning of change is the moment of Doubt. It is the crucial moment when I renew my humanity or become a lie. Doubt requires more courage than conviction does.” Why would Shanley celebrate uncertainty? What does uncertainty give us that certainty cannot?
5. Father Flynn argues that skepticism can provide a sense of community that is every bit as nourishing as faith. Indeed, he ends his first sermon by saying, “Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty.” Do you agree or disagree? Support your answer with examples from the play and/or personal experience.
6. Sister Aloysius tells Sister James, “the best teachers do not perform; they cause their students to perform.” How does Sister Aloysius expect Sister James to perform her duties and responsibilities?
7. Why does Sister Aloysius favor fountain pens that must be dipped in ink rather than ballpoint pens? How are these two modes of writing symbolic? Why is penmanship important? What does it suggest (at least to Sister Aloysius?
8. Shanley defends skepticism in his “Preface.” However, as one of his epigraphs, taken from Ecclesiastes, suggests, “in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.” Sister James echoes this sentiment when she admits, near the end of the play, that she “can’t sleep at night anymore. Everything seems uncertain to me.” Ignorance is bliss. Is gaining experience, with its attendant anxieties, worth sacrificing your innocence?
9. What specific evidence does Sister Aloysius have to support her conviction that Father Flynn behaved inappropriately with Donald? How does Sister Aloyisius go about gathering her proof? What is her view on truth? Father Flynn reminds Sister Aloyisius that “even if you feel certainty, it is an emotion and not a fact.” What is your view on truth? Do you believe in absolute truth or relative truth?
10. Sister Aloysius points out that the gardener “pruned this bush, which was the right thing to do, but he neglected to protect it from the frost.” How does this statement apply to sister Aloyisius’ own attempts to protect her students? Why is the action of pruning symbolic?
11. What is Sister Aloysius’ background as it is revealed in the play? Is she unnecessarily or legitimately prejudiced against the boys in the school? Against Father Flynn?
12. How does segregation along gender lines affect Father Flynn? Sister Aloyisius succinctly states that “the men run everything” and “we might as well be separated by the Atlantic Ocean.” How is her power thwarted?
13. One of the principles of our legal system is that one is innocent until proven guilty. Does Sister Aloysius abide by this? Should she? What is more dangerous in this situation: presuming innocence or presuming guilt?
14. Sister Aloysius humorously declares: “What with our being in black and white, and so prone to falling, we’re more like dominoes that anything else.” In what way is her comment not only humorous but symbolic?18. What does Sister Aloysius’ concern for Sister Veronica reveal about her own character? Why does she lie to Father Flynn about Sister Veronica? Could it represent more than just Sister Aloysius’ fear that Sister Veronica could be sent away?
15. Does the end justify the means for Sister Aloysius—or does she believe it should? Explain.20. Shanley refers to the danger of “extreme advocacy” in the “Preface.” What aspects of “extreme advocacy” are represented by Father Flynn, Sister Aloysius, and Sister James?
16. Mrs. Muller is the only character who comes from the “outside” of the school to have a conference with Sister Aloysius. How does Mrs. Muller represent a more complex character than either Sister Aloysius or Father Flynn?
17. Sister Aloysius is equally torn by doubt as Sister James in the play's conclusion, but not for the same reason. What is source of Sister Aloysius’ doubt and why does it so torture her
18. What is suggested to Sister Aloysius with Father Flynn’s long nails, his penchant for sugar, his ballpoint pen, and his suggestion of secular music for the Christmas pageant?
Hello Ms. Aiken.
ReplyDeleteDo you by any chance have the answers to these questions?
any answer to this question
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