Sister Irene, a dedicated nun and teacher, grapples with the challenges of her first semester at a Jesuit university. Though she is confident in her teaching abilities and her religious calling, the world beyond her classroom often leaves her feeling bewildered and uneasy. Her orderly existence is disrupted when a spirited and unconventional student, Allen Weinstein, enters her life.

An Unsettling Influence

Allen's presence in Sister Irene's Shakespeare class ignites a sense of excitement within her. His probing questions and fervent curiosity create a connection that transcends the typical teacher-student dynamic. Sister Irene finds herself hoping for great things from Allen, investing emotionally in his potential. However, when Allen fails to submit his initial paper on time, she uncharacteristically grants him an extension. The resulting essay, twice the required length and titled “Erotic Melodies in Romeo and Juliet,” underscores his unconventional nature.

Crossing Boundaries

Allen's need for emotional engagement becomes increasingly apparent as he seeks out Sister Irene for personal interactions. He implores her to walk, converse, and share in his creative pursuits, revealing a longing for intimacy. Unfamiliar with such overt displays of emotion, Sister Irene finds his behavior unsettling and increasingly difficult to manage. Allen's disregard for the boundaries of their professional relationship challenges Sister Irene's contemplative nature, forcing her to confront the limitations of her Christian compassion and her role as an educator. She wrestles with the question of whether she can extend a helping hand to Allen without compromising her own well-being.

Reaching a Breaking Point

As Allen's demands intensify, Sister Irene is relieved when he stops attending class, leaving behind an "A" paper and a void in classroom discussions. Yet, her reprieve is short-lived. She soon receives a letter from Allen, now confined to a sanatorium, which alludes to suicidal thoughts through references to Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. Like the character Claudio, Allen seems to ask Sister Irene to sacrifice part of herself to alleviate his suffering.

Determined to help, Sister Irene approaches Allen's parents to convey the depth of his despair. Despite her efforts, their resistance and long-standing exasperation with Allen's behavior thwart her intentions. The encounter leaves Sister Irene feeling defeated and painfully aware of her human limitations, distancing her from the ideals of her faith.

The Final Encounter

Allen's return a month later marks a turning point in their relationship. He seeks to elicit a genuine act of care from Sister Irene, yet alienates her entirely with an urgent plea for money to flee to Canada. His intense criticism of her perceived lack of warmth and generosity culminates in a volatile confrontation. Ironically, this episode liberates Sister Irene from any lingering feelings of guilt or responsibility for Allen's fate.

A Resigned Acceptance

Months pass before Sister Irene learns of Allen's tragic death by drowning in Quebec. The news stirs a momentary reflection, but she soon regains her composure, accepting her singular identity and the limits of her capacity for empathy. As she acknowledges her inability to truly mourn Allen's suffering, Sister Irene comes to terms with the fact that she can only be herself, experiencing neither guilt nor profound sorrow.