Agnes of God

John Pielmeier

Agnes of God

John Pielmeier
47 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Play
Adult
Published in 1982

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

John Pielmeier

Agnes of God

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1982
Book Details
Pages

76

Format

Play • Fiction

Genre
Psychology

Drama
Setting

Convent, Quebec • 1970s

Theme
Religion & Spirituality

Mental Health

Femininity
Publication Year

1982

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Agnes of God, a dramatic play by John Pielmeier, follows the investigation of a novice nun, Agnes, at a convent after she unexpectedly gives birth to a deceased baby and insists the child was conceived immaculately. A psychiatrist and the Mother Superior clash over uncovering the truth, exploring themes of faith, maternal instinct, and the lengths individuals will go to protect their chosen way of life. Sensitive topics related to trauma and abuse are depicted.

Mysterious

Unnerving

Emotional

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.0

7,142 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

John Pielmeier's Agnes of God is lauded for its compelling narrative and strong character development. Critics appreciate its thought-provoking exploration of faith, morality, and psychology. Some reviewers, however, find the plot overly dramatic and feel that the resolution lacks depth. Overall, it remains a powerful and engaging read, raising pertinent questions about belief and doubt.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Agnes of God?

A reader who would enjoy Agnes of God by John Pielmeier is likely interested in psychological drama and moral dilemmas entwined with religious themes. Fans of Doubt: A Parable by John Patrick Shanley and The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty will find this play's intense exploration of faith and mystery compelling.

4.0

7,142 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

A young nun characterized by her passive role and deeply personal religious beliefs, whose life becomes the subject of an investigation following the death of her child.

A psychiatrist tasked with understanding Agnes, exploring themes of science versus religion, and her own introspective journey through monologues.

The head of the convent where Agnes resides, a protective and empathetic figure representing organized religion and balancing authority with care.

Book Details
Pages

76

Format

Play • Fiction

Genre
Psychology

Drama
Setting

Convent, Quebec • 1970s

Theme
Religion & Spirituality

Mental Health

Femininity
Publication Year

1982

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,750+ additional titles.