48 pages • 1 hour read
John Patrick ShanleyDoubt: A Parable
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2005A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Doubt: A Parable by John Patrick Shanley explores the suspicions of Sister Aloysius, a school principal, regarding an alleged inappropriate relationship between Father Flynn, a priest, and a young male student, Donald Muller, at a Catholic school in the Bronx in the 1960s. As evidence remains inconclusive, the characters grapple with themes of uncertainty, trust, and moral ambiguity. The play includes instances of child abuse allegations.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Doubt: A Parable by John Patrick Shanley has received acclaim for its sharp, thought-provoking narrative and compelling dialogue. Critics praise the play's exploration of morality and ambiguity, although some find its lack of resolution frustrating. Strong performances and tight direction often elevate the experience, making it a powerful, if at times unsettling, watch.
Who Should Read Doubt: A Parable?
Readers who appreciate thought-provoking dramas like Arthur Miller's The Crucible or Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire will enjoy John Patrick Shanley's Doubt: A Parable. This play appeals to those who enjoy moral ambiguity and intense character dynamics. Ideal for fans of nuanced storytelling and ethical dilemmas.