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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When the isolated affected people in Father Flynn's opening sermon ask God for help, what is His reply?

2. What does Sister Aloysius say Sister James will trade for a warm look?

3. As the days roll on, what does the sailor in Father Flynn's sermon start to have?

4. In which place does Sister Aloysius says innocence is wisdom?

5. According to Sister Aloysius, what is satisfaction?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do we know that this play is set in 1964?

2. Why is Sister Aloysius so certain that someone will hit Donald Muller?

3. Why is Sister Aloysius anxious at the beginning of Scene 5?

4. Why does Sister Aloysius say she cannot close her eyes to the situation with Father Flynn and Donald Muller?

5. In Scene 4, why is Sister Aloysius trying to protect the rosebush from frost even though there hasn't been any frost?

6. Why does Sister Aloysius say that it makes sense for Father Flynn to take interest in Donald Muller?

7. Why does Father Flynn compare the sailor's despair to a crisis of faith?

8. Why does Father Flynn say it's important to have a routine for shooting a free throw?

9. In Scene 5, what two things about Father Flynn shock Sister Aloysius?

10. In Scene 1, why does the sailor in Father Flynn's sermon feel despair when clouds cover the sky?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are so many ways in which doubt is raised throughout the course of the play. In Scene 5, we see a confrontation between Father Flynn and Sister Aloysius, and by the end the audience is left wondering if the battle is more personal than professional. What is your opinion on the confrontation? Is Sister Aloysius simply out to get Father Flynn because of personal differences, or is she truly concerned about his professional role with the students and their well-being? Provide examples to support your opinion.

Essay Topic 2

Mrs. Muller has an interesting way of protecting her son. This is revealed in how she feels about Donald's relationship with Father Flynn and her concern for his education. Write an essay discussing what Mrs. Muller believes to be true about her son and how that affects what she thinks is best for him? Why does she appreciate Father Flynn's interest in her son rather than worry about it?

Essay Topic 3

The Catholic church is almost a character unto itself in Doubt: A Parable. Describe how the church hierarchy affects the characters and plot of the play. How do the nuns and priests interact with each other? If they were not governed by the church, how might the story have ended differently? Provide evidence from the play to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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