doubt by John Patrick Shanley “What do you really know, and how do you know it?”

The Playwright Born in the Bronx, New York, 1959 Educated by Irish Christian Brothers and Sisters of Charity Nuns Doubt won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, 2005, the Tony Award for Best Play, and other awards “We are living in an age of extreme advocacy, of confrontation, of judgment and verdict. Discussion has given way to debate. Communication has become a contest of wills. Public talking has become obnoxious and insincere. Why? It’s because, deep down under the chatter, we have come to a place where we don’t know anything. But nobody’s willing to say that.” Agree or Disagree? Why? Examples. . .

Historical background 1960s Bronx, New York—a relatively rough neighborhood Population consisted of Italian, German, Irish, Polish, and Jewish inhabitants Increasing Hispanic and African American population July 1964—Civil Rights Act was passed Racism and prejudice still dominated October, 1962--VATICAN II Sweeping changes to Roman Catholic Church formality Mass was said in native language Priests faced the congregation More “commonality” with people in congregation

The Play Parable Brief story to make a point or teach a lesson Ordinary ideas—everyday situations Complicated ideas are made easier to understand Set in 1964, Bronx borough (neighborhood), New York city st. Nicholas catholic school Parish is made up of mostly Italians and irish Themes / ideas in the play— power, faith, morality Suspicion, law, responsibility

characters Father Brendan Flynn Sister Aloysius Beauvier Sister James Working-class man Catholic priest at St. Nicholas Parish In his 30s age-wise and teaches basketball at the school Sister Aloysius Beauvier Member of Sisters of Charity Order Principal of St. Nicholas School 50 – 60 years old Sister James New 8th grade teacher at St. Nicholas School In her 20s Mrs. Muller Mother of Donald Muller (Only African-American student at the school)

POPE CARDINAL BISHOP MONSIGNOR PRIESTS LAITY NUNS Church hierarchy POPE CARDINAL BISHOP MONSIGNOR PRIESTS LAITY NUNS

events Opens with Father Flynn’s sermon on the nature of “doubt” Sister Aloysius meets with Sister James about her “teaching style” Father Flynn seems to be taking an interest in Donald Muller Sister Aloysius becomes suspicious, confronts Father Flynn She then talks to Donald’s mother Father Flynn angrily confronts Sister Aloysius Doubt ensues. . . . .

“If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end with doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.” --Francis Bacon Think of a situation of which you were uncertain—maybe an accusation or suspicion that you had. . . What did you really know for sure? What method did you use to get to the truth? Were you willing to accept the consequences of actions based on beliefs the accusation or suspicion might be false? How do you see the world—in black and white or shades of gray?

“Can you get comfortable with not knowing, with not being certain “Can you get comfortable with not knowing, with not being certain? –John Patrick Shanley Name 3 things in your life that you are certain about. Why are you so certain about these things? On what do you base your certainty?