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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. According to Father Flynn, what do you do with your teammates during a basketball game?

2. According to Sister Aloysius, what is satisfaction?

3. How did Sister James feel about last year's Christmas Pageant?

4. What did Mr. McGinn forget to do after pruning the rosebush?

5. Who is described as having a bit of sunshine in his/her heart, but reserved?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Father Flynn say it is okay for him to wear his nails a little long?

2. Why does Sister Aloysius think William London is headed for trouble?

3. Why does Sister Aloysius want to see Sister James become more self-confident?

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

5. Why is Sister Aloysius' work with the rosebush similar to her work at the school?

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

7. Why does Sister Aloysius say she cannot afford an excessively innocent teacher?

8. In Scene 1, why does Father Flynn say a private calamity is worse than a public one?

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

10. In Scene 2, what is Sister Aloysius talking about when she asks: what good is a gift when it is left in the box?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mrs. Muller's relationship with her husband is much like Sister Aloysius' relationship with the men in the church. Write a brief essay explaining how these relationships are similar. What does Sister Aloysius attempt to do that Mrs. Muller seems afraid to do? What is the result?

Essay Topic 2

Doubt: A Parable contains several instances of symbolism, such as Father Flynn's fingernails, the crows harassing Father Flynn, the pruning of the rosebush, etc. Choose two symbols from the play. Discuss what each of them represents and provide evidence from the play.

Essay Topic 3

The nature of the church's teachings play a role in this play even though they are never overtly discussed. Father Flynn's and Sister James' views on how students ought to be taught vary considerably from Sister Aloysius' views. Write an essay discussing how each of the teachers feel about the way students should be treated, how the rules should be followed, and whether or not the secular world should be included.

(see the answer keys)

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