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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. What does Sister Aloysius say was Father Flynn's confession?

2. In Scene 6, who does the man in Father Flynn's sermon represent?

3. What does Sister Aloysius say wouldn't have worked if Father Flynn was innocent?

4. What does Sister Aloysius say Father Flynn will do until he is stopped?

5. What does Mrs. Muller tell Sister Aloysius she doesn't want?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Father Flynn say is wrong about Sister Aloysius contacting his prior parish?

2. In Scene 7, why does Father Flynn say that the truth makes for a poor sermon?

3. How is the sermon Father Flynn preaches in Scene 6 symbolic?

4. When Father Flynn comes to Sister Aloysius' office in the second part of Scene 8, why does she tell him he can't come in?

5. What does Sister Aloysius believe about Father Flynn's resignation from St. Nicholas?

6. What does Mrs. Muller say is the real reason Mr. Muller beat Donald?

7. What about the crow in Scene 7 reminds the audience of Sister Aloysius?

8. In Scene 8, why does Mrs. Muller think she may have come to Sister Aloysius' office on the wrong day?

9. What reason does Father Flynn give Sister James for his not wanting to defend himself against Sister Aloysius' accusations?

10. What reason does Mrs. Muller give Sister Aloysius for Donald drinking the altar wine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Parables are used in a number of ways throughout the play. We see them in the sermons Father Flynn delivers and in the play itself. Describe what a parable is, identify at least two parables and the lessons they teach that were given in sermons during the play, and discuss how the play itself fits the model of a parable. What lesson is the play intended to teach?

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 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.

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