48 pages • 1 hour read
John Patrick ShanleyDoubt: A Parable
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2005A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
During Reading
Reading Questions & Paired Texts
Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.
PREFACE-SCENE 2
Reading Check
1. When does Shanley say the play is set?
2. What is the setting of the first scene?
3. Who is the principal of the St. Nicholas Church School?
4. Why does Sister James come to the principal’s office?
Short Answer
Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. How does the sailor in Father Flynn’s sermon represent doubt?
2. What advice does Sister Aloysius give Sister James?
3. Whom does Sister James bring up at the end of her meeting with Sister Aloysius? How does their conversation end?
Paired Resource
“No Doubt About It, Nun Inspired Playwright”
- This article from the Riverdale Press connects the character of Sister James to the real-life nun Sister Margaret McEntee.
- This connects to the theme of Hierarchy and Gender.
- Who is Sister Margaret McEntee? How is she similar to and different from the fictional Sister James?
SCENES 3-4
Reading Check
1. Whom is Father Flynn addressing in Scene 3?
2. What does Father Flynn say about danger?
3. Where is Scene 4 set?
4. Who is Donald Muller’s protector, according to Sister James?
