Doubt Final Topics

Daniel Arcega

Mrs. Emerick

IB English HL II

Doubt Final Topics

#1: Film Critique

    The film technique used in the theatrical version of doubt that I will overview is the way in which the film characterizes Sister Aloysius through her actions and the actions of others. In the novel, there is only basic scene descriptions to give the reader a general perspective of the scene and its characters. The characters are rarely described doing actions. The reader must make assumptions about the characters based on these initial descriptions and dialogue. Based on Sister Aloysius's dialogue, the reader can gleam that she is a traditional and strict principal, attempting to keep an eye on her entire school. However, a clearer picture of Sister Aloysius's character is presented in the film version due to the actions she takes. 

    The film version of the story not only has more scenes overall, but the ability to convey information through actions. These actions help to define the characters who undertake them. In the very first scene with Sister Aloysius, the film clearly depicts core parts of her character. During the opening sermon, she goes around correcting kids who have poor posture in church. This action demonstrates how strict she is in her faith teachings. She does not allow a single one to ignore the church proceedings, even if they are just kids. Another detail that furthers her characterization is how the kids start to realize that she is behind them and start to correct themselves. They quickly stop talking and sit up straight simply at the notion of her presence. Sister Aloysius catches one of the kids sleeping, who at her call promptly wakes up with an expression of fear on his face. The kids' reactions signify to the viewer that Sister Aloysius is a person that is feared and respected by the children. Additionally, it suggests that she is some sort of guiding figure to these children, even before the viewer learns of her position. This suggestion is supported by other times where she is shown direct respect from the students. Both when she calls for William London in the courtyard and when she enters the classroom during the lecture, the students stand and turn to face her. The actions of the students clearly demonstrate Sister's Aloysius's position and strictness. 

    Another part of Sister Aloysius's character shown through action is her desire to have strong control over her school and her students. She is constantly observing the students to see if they are misbehaving in any way. Early in the film, Sister Aloysius walks into a class Sister James is teaching and starts prowling around the room. She eventually catches one boy listening to a radio and sends him to her office. In no normal school would the principal interrupt a lesson to personally catch disobeying students. Later on, she enters the classroom and frantically walks around, even searching through Sister James's own desk, to search for imperfections. She quickly finds many details disappointing and lectures Sister James about them. Her actions show that she is untrusting of others and prefers to take matters into her own hands.  The excessive actions she takes to discipline the kids shows the viewer her commitment while simultaneously foreshadowing her determination to catch Father Flynn.  

#2: Line Analysis

    During Sister James's and Sister Aloysius's conversation in the garden, Sister James admits that she could return to her peace of mind. Sister Aloysius responds, saying, "You may not have it. It is not your place to be complacent. That's for the children. That's what we give them"(Shanley 20). Sister's Aloysius's line illustrates two key traits of her character. First, it demonstrates her mindset as a principal and adult. She believes that adults in the world need to be suspicious. They must protect themselves and others from those who would exploit their innocence and naivety. It adds to her persona of a serious and reserved figure of power. Contrarily, the other insight the passage gives us is evidence that Sister Aloysius is ultimately a good person. Details given throughout the story can lead the reader to have a negative opinion of Sister Aloysius due to her strictness sometimes portraying her as uncaring. However, here she shows compassion for the kids. She believes that she and Sister James must remain vigilant to allow the kids to enjoy their innocence. She wants them to enjoy the time they have as children, so she guards them from anything she thinks could harm them now or in the future.

#3: Thematic Topic/Global Issue

    Shanley depicts the issue of gender power dynamics both directly and indirectly through the limited power of Sister Aloysius. Throughout the story, Sister Aloysius laments that her options to expose Father Flynn are limited due to the rules of church hierarchy. For example, at the end of the novel, Sister Aloysius lies to Father Flynn saying that she contacted one of the nuns from his previous parish in order to uncover his past. Nun's from separate parishes contacting each other is not permitted in the church rules, as pointed out  when Father Flynn exclaims "The Church is very clear. You're supposed to go through the pastor"(Shanley 53). Furthermore, when Sister Aloysius threatens to leave to confirm her suspicions, Father Flynn claims that she can not leave the church: "You have taken vows, obedience being one! You answer to us! You have no right to step out of the church!"(Shanley 54). The restrictions placed on Sister Aloysius due to her role as a nun in the church are symbolic of  her lack of power as a woman. Father Flynn, a man, is the one to remind her of the rules she needs to follow. When he says that she must listen to "us", he probably means the church; however, it can also be interpreted as the nuns must listen to the male figures of the parish. Additionally, Father Flynn's use of the word obedience suggests imagery of the old-fashioned view on the relationship between men and women, with women being subservient to men. Finally, the fact that Sister Aloysius had to lie and threaten her own abdication due to the churches rules is another symbol of its oppression on her ability to act.

    The church's oppression on the agency of Sister Aloysius is transformed into commentary on gender power dynamics through the way the system works. When Sister James's asks why Sister Aloysius does not just tell Father Flynn's superior about her suspicions, she explains, "he would believe whatever Father Flynn told him"(Shanley 22). Following the church procedure would mean that Sister Aloysius would have to tell a man who she believes will favor his fellow man's statement. In addition, when Father Flynn asks why she did not contact the pastor of his previous parish, Sister Aloysius suggests that they might be working in league with one another: "Do you have an understanding, you and he?"(Shanley 53). Sister Aloysius suspects that they might be colluding due to the difference in power between the male priests and female nuns. The priests have a large portion of power when compared to the nuns, so they would most likely want to keep it. This reflects the ways in which men in history have tried to suppress the freedoms and power of women.