Summary
Act 1
The opening act of Doubt features a sermon by Father Flynn, centered on the theme of uncertainty. He connects this feeling of confusion to the widespread disarray experienced by the nation following President John F. Kennedy's assassination the previous year. Father Flynn emphasizes how people united spiritually during that time, suggesting that despair doesn't have to isolate individuals if they hold onto faith. To illustrate his point, he shares a tale about a sailor lost at sea who navigates using his memory of the stars, even when clouds obscure them for over twenty nights. The sailor's trust in the truths he once knew is compared to a person's faith in God during despair.
Act 2
Sister Aloysius, the principal of St. Nicholas School, has a meeting in her office with Sister James, who teaches the eighth grade. Sister Aloysius inquires about a student who was sent home with a nosebleed and warns that children sometimes harm themselves to avoid school. During their conversation, Sister Aloysius expresses her disdain for teachers who use kindness to conceal their weaknesses or laziness.
The discussion then shifts to whether Sister James remains present in the classroom when "specialty" instructors—those responsible for subjects like art, music, and physical education—take over. Sister Aloysius is particularly interested in whether Sister James leaves the boys unsupervised during Father Flynn's religion and physical education lessons. She advises Sister James to stay vigilant, though she hesitates to specify her suspicions.
Act 3
Act 3 features another monologue by Father Flynn, this time addressing the boys during a basketball session. He advises them that they'll shoot more effectively if they relax and stop worrying about their appearance. Regarding personal hygiene, he shares an apocryphal story about a boy from his past, Timmy Mathisson, who had dirty fingernails that he habitually put in his nose and mouth, ultimately leading to his death from spinal meningitis.
Act 4
Sister Aloysius and Sister James meet in the garden. Sister James mentions that the boys in her class are attending a lecture given by Father Flynn on the topic of manhood. She also notes that the new African American student, Donald Muller, doesn't have to fear bullying, as Father Flynn has assumed the role of his protector. Sister Aloysius immediately suspects that Father Flynn has inappropriate intentions towards the vulnerable boy. Sister James recalls that Father Flynn once took Donald for a private conversation at the rectory, and when Donald returned, he had alcohol on his breath.
Sister Aloysius explains that removing a priest, even with evidence of inappropriate conduct with a student, is quite challenging. Father Flynn would undoubtedly deny any accusations, and Monsignor Benedict would support Father Flynn's account. Church regulations prevent a nun from escalating suspicions to a higher authority. The boy, feeling ashamed, would remain silent. Sister Aloysius informs Sister James that she plans to confront Father Flynn and needs Sister James to witness the meeting.
Act 5
Father Flynn arrives at Sister Aloysius's office, but Church rules prevent a priest and a nun from being alone together in a room. Once Sister James joins them, Sister Aloysius serves tea. Father Flynn assumes the meeting is about the Christmas pageant. Sister Aloysius brings up Donald Muller, noting that Father Flynn has given him "special attention" and that Donald acted unusually upon returning to class. Feeling accused, Father Flynn begins to leave when Sister Aloysius mentions the scent of alcohol on Donald's breath. He justifies it by saying the caretaker caught Donald drinking altar wine, and he was trying to protect the boy from public embarrassment.
After Father Flynn departs,...
(This entire section contains 1158 words.)
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Sister Aloysius tells Sister James she believes he was lying. Sister James fervently defends him, accusing Sister Aloysius of simply harboring a dislike for him. Sister Aloysius dismisses this defense as youthful naïveté. She then calls the boy's parents, requesting a meeting at the school.
Act 6
Father Flynn delivers a sermon focused on the dangers of intolerance. He recounts a story about a woman who sees a hand hovering over her head while gossiping with a friend. She consults her priest, who tells her it signifies God's displeasure. He instructs her to take a pillow to her roof, cut it open, and release the feathers. When she returns, he tells her to collect all the scattered feathers. She argues it's impossible as they have blown away. The priest in Father Flynn's tale explains that gossip, once spread, is equally irretrievable.
Act 7
Father Flynn encounters Sister James as she prays in the garden, the same setting from Act 4. She expresses difficulty sleeping, feeling guilty about spreading rumors like the woman in Father Flynn's sermon. Father Flynn reassures her, saying she is free to form her own opinion about him and isn't required to follow Sister Aloysius's beliefs. When she asks him directly, he denies Sister Aloysius's allegations. Father Flynn contrasts his approach, which focuses on love and care, with Sister Aloysius's emphasis on strict discipline. Before departing, Sister James tells him she does not believe he is guilty.
Act 8
Sister Aloysius has a meeting with Donald's mother. Mrs. Muller explains that she and her husband anticipated that Donald might face challenges at St. Nicholas, as he is the first black student there. They were relieved to know that Father Flynn was looking out for him. Mrs. Muller's main concern is for Donald to stay until the school year ends, which would increase his chances of getting into a reputable high school. When Sister Aloysius voices her worries about Father Flynn, Mrs. Muller becomes defensive. She understands that in a public investigation, Donald, rather than the priest, would likely be blamed. She concludes that it is better for Donald to remain at St. Nicholas until graduation, even if Father Flynn is exploiting him sexually.
After Mrs. Muller leaves, Father Flynn enters, visibly angry. Disregarding the rule that a priest and nun should not be alone together, he slams the door and demands to know the reason for Donald Muller's mother's visit. He addresses each piece of evidence against him, dismissing all accusations, until Sister Aloysius mentions she spoke with a nun from his previous parish. Father Flynn protests, arguing that she should have consulted the parish pastor and noting that there's no official record of any misconduct. Nonetheless, Sister Aloysius insists she knows he has taken advantage of boys. As she moves to report him to higher authorities, he stops her and listens to her ultimatum to leave St. Nicholas. After she departs, he calls the bishop to request a reassignment.
Act 9
Sister Aloysius and Sister James have a conversation in the garden. Father Flynn has been transferred to a different parish, with a promotion to pastor. Sister Aloysius was unable to convince Monsignor Benedict of Father Flynn's misconduct, but she remains convinced of his guilt. She feels remorseful because, in order to force his departure, she lied about contacting someone at his former parish—an empty threat that apparently scared him off.
