Essay Topics
for DOUBT - Final Draft DUE WEDNESDAY - Nov. 20, 2013
Choose one
of the following essay topics to develop into a thoughtful, two- three page
essay in MLA format. Be certain to support your essay with
specific examples from the play; be sure to cite quotations.
1.
Symbolism: When symbolism is carefully
drawn and used deliberately and with discretion in literature, the author
proposes to the audience (or reader) concepts that underlie or reinforce the
theme or develop and reveal character. Identify the major symbols in John
Patrick Shanley's Doubt; discuss the context of each symbol as it is presented
and explain its significance and contribution to the play as a whole.
2. Changes:
The "Preface" ends with the following quote: "The beginning of
change is the moment of Doubt. It is the crucial moment when I renew my
humanity or become a lie. Doubt requires more courage than conviction
does." The play ends with Sister Aloysius in a crisis of conscience, in a
crisis of doubt, not only doubt concerning the reason beyond Father Flynn's
promotion, but for her own beliefs. Explain Sister Aloysius's initial worldview
(when the play opens) and how the events and the other characters force her to
confront and re-examine her own iron clad convictions.
3. Mind Games:
Think like a playwright. John Patrick Shanley develops the characters of
Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn with the reaction of the audience in mind.
Which character is drawn more likeable?
What makes this character more sympathetic? More importantly, why is this character made
to be sympathetic by Shanley? In contrast,
how is the other character seen?
Again--how and why? In the events
that unfold in the play, how does the way the reader feels about a character
influence his or her objectivity and create doubt? Explain
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