Symbolism In Doubt A Parable

Life would be so much easier if the truth was black and white, but in reality, the truth is more of a grey area. In the play Doubt: A Parable, Father Flynn’s innocence is unsure to both the readers and the characters in the play. Although there doesn’t seem to be enough evidence to prove he is guilty, Sister Aloysius is “armed with her certainty” and gets Father Flynn to leave the school (Shanley . The lack of physical evidence makes Sister Aloysius attempts to expose Father Flynn fruitless, but upon further inspection of the play, there are subtle hints that reveal the truth. Because of the symbolism that John Patrick Shanley uses, Father Flynn’s resignation at the end of the play, his relationship with Donald Muller, and wanting to be friendlier to the other male students, Father Flynn is shown to be guilty of molesting Donald Muller. Donald Muller is the first and only African American student at St. Nicholas. Sister Aloysius is more than aware of what this could bring and constantly asks Sister …show more content…
Act three alludes to Father Flynn’s sexuality when he teaches the class the importance of cleanliness by talking about his nails. He “like[s] them a little long” which means it takes more work to maintain them, but as long as they are clean, it is “okay” (Shanley 21). Longer nails are typically worn by women and Father Flynn’s choice suggests that he is homosexual. However, his nails have dual symbolism, representing both his sexuality and his relationship with Donald Muller. Sister Aloysius is appalled and pauses when she sights his nails. Father Flynn simply says he “likes them a little long” when she points them out and asks for sugar. Again, she is shocked when he asks for three. Father Flynn seems to indulge himself in small things, like his nails and the sugar. Both the sugar and his nails suggest that he partakes in other pleasures that are not acceptable, like an inappropriate relationship with a