Doubt: A Parable, written by John Patrick Shanley, is a play that takes place at a Catholic School in the Bronx in 1964. The story is focused on the principle of St. Nicholas, Sister Aloysius, and her suspicions of Father Flynn, a well-liked priest of the school. Sister Aloysius is certain that Father Flynn is sexually abusing a young African American student, Donal Muller. Sister Aloysius confides in Sister James, a much younger and innocent nun; Sister James is doubtful of Father Flynns guilt, but uncertain of his innocence, for the entirety of the play. When watching this play unfold, the audience is truly uncertain about whether to believe Sister Aloysius or Father Flynn. This doubt experienced by the characters in the play, as well as the audience members, is heavily due to the given circumstances of the play, as well as the dialogue and stage direction. .
The doubt vs. certainty issue drives the main idea of Sister Aloysius allegations against Father Flynn. In terms of given circumstances, doubt vs. certainty was an issue not only in this play, but in the world during the 1960s. During this time period, the Catholic Church overall was experiencing much change and renovation, transitioning from traditional to contemporary. From 1958-1963, Pope John XXII was instrumental in opening up the Catholic Church to the world. He was an activist for breaking Catholic tradition and abolishing certain practices, and once stated "I want to throw open the windows of the Church so that we can see out and the people can see in (New World Encyclopedia). Many people widely accepted the changes, while many traditionalists objected the transition. Change causes much uncertainty, which leads to feelings of insecurities and doubt. .
This reform of the Catholic Church in the 60s and feelings of doubt can be seen in Shanleys plot, mostly between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn. Father Flynn is proactive about changing the strict, traditional Catholic ways of St.