Essay Topics for DOUBT - Final Draft DUE Wed., March 2, 2011 2
Choose one of the following essay topics to develop into a thoughtful three-four page essay in MLA format. Several resources are now on the sidebar. DO use correct MLA citations and provide a Works Cited page for any references in your essay. 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
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
REVISED Questions
“Doubt: a Parable”
Discussion Questions and Study Guide
1. M.H. Abrams, in his Glossary of LiteraryTerms, defines a parable as “a very short narrative about human beings presented so as to stress the tacit analogy or parallel with a general thesis or lesson that the narrator is trying to bring home to his or her audience.” Shanley subtitles his play “a parable.” What is the difference between myth and parable? What is the general idea that Shanley is trying to convey?
2. What is the parable that Shanley is telling via the story in the drama? (Refer to the “Preface,” for a strong hint.)
3. Shanley dedicates the play to “the many orders of Catholic nuns who have devoted their lives to serving others.” Why would he dedicate the play to them? What does his dedication imply? Given the character of Sister Aloysius, does this dedication seem ironic?
4. In the “Preface,” Shanley criticizes the fact that “we are living in a culture of extreme advocacy, of confrontation, of judgment, and of verdict.” In what sense might the play itself be considered an attempt to remedy this cultural trend. Provide examples to support your stance.
5. Shanley seems to suggest that reality is a fiction. In his preface, for example, he states that faith is “a shared dream we agreed to call Reality.” How does he develop this idea in the play?
6. The play’s preface ends with the statement that “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.” Why would Shanley celebrate uncertainty? What does uncertainty give us that certainty cannot?
7. Father Flynn argues that skepticism can provide a sense of community that is every bit as nourishing as faith. Indeed, he ends his first sermon by saying, “Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty.” Do you agree or disagree? Support your answer with examples from the play and/or personal experience.
8. Sister Aloysius tells Sister James, “the best teachers do not perform; they cause their students to perform.” How does Sister Aloysius expect Sister James to perform her duties and responsibilities?
9. Sister Aloysius tells Sister James, “the best teachers do not perform; they cause the students to perform.” Do you agree? What are teachers currently expected to do in order to hold students’ attention? What is expected of students?
10. Why does Sister Aloysius favor fountain pens that must be dipped in ink rather than ballpoint pens? How are these two modes of writing symbolic? Why is penmanship important? What does it suggest (at least to Sister Aloysius?
11. Shanley unambiguously defends skepticism in his “Preface.” However, as one of his epigraphs, taken from Ecclesiastes, suggests, “in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.” Sister James echoes this sentiment when she admits, near the end of the play, that she “can’t sleep at night anymore. Everything seems uncertain to me.” Ignorance is bliss. Is gaining experience, with its attendant anxieties, worth sacrificing your innocence?
12. What specific evidence does Sister Aloysius have to support her conviction that Father Flynn behaved inappropriately with Donald? How does Sister Aloyisius go about gathering her proof? What is her view on truth? Father Flynn reminds Sister Aloyisius that “even if you feel certainty, it is an emotion and not a fact.” What is your view on truth? Do you believe in absolute truth or relative truth?
13. Sister Aloysius points out that the gardener “pruned this bush, which was the right thing to do, but he neglected to protect it from the frost.” How does this statement apply to sister Aloyisius’ own attempts to protect her students? Why is the action of pruning symbolic?
14. What is Sister Aloysius’ background as it is revealed in the play? Is she unnecessarily or legitimately prejudiced against the boys in the school? Against Father Flynn?
15. How does segregation along gender lines affect Father Flynn? Sister Aloyisius succinctly states that “the men run everything” and “we might as well be separated by the Atlantic Ocean.” How is her power thwarted?
16. One of the principles of our legal system is that one is innocent until proven guilty. Does Sister Aloysius abide by this? Should she? What is more dangerous in this situation: presuming innocence or presuming guilt?
17. How is the following line symbolic? Sister Aloysius humorously declares: “What with our being in black and white, and so prone to falling, we’re more like dominoes that anything else.”
18. What does Sister Aloysius’ concern for Sister Veronica reveal about her own character? Why does she lie to Father Flynn about Sister Veronica? Could it represent more than just Sister Aloysius’ fear that Sister Veronica could be sent away?
19. Does the end justify the means for Sister Aloysius—or does she believe it should? Explain.
20. Shanley refers to the danger of “extreme advocacy” in the “Preface.” What aspects of “extreme advocacy” are represented by Father Flynn, Sister Aloysius, and Sister James?
21. Mrs. Muller is the only character who comes from the “outside” of the school to have a conference with Sister Aloysius. How does Mrs. Muller represent a more complex character than either Sister Aloysius or Father Flynn?
22. The three principal characters are Sisters Aloysius and James and Father Flynn. At the conclusion of the play, what is the state of mind of Sister James? Why?
23. Sister Aloysius is equally torn by doubt as Sister James in the plays conclusion, but not for the same reason. What is source of Sister Aloysius’ doubt and why does it so torture her?
24. What is suggested to Sister Aloysius with Father Flynn’s long nails, his penchant for sugar, his ballpoint pen, and his suggestion of secular music for the Christmas pageant?
Discussion Questions and Study Guide
1. M.H. Abrams, in his Glossary of LiteraryTerms, defines a parable as “a very short narrative about human beings presented so as to stress the tacit analogy or parallel with a general thesis or lesson that the narrator is trying to bring home to his or her audience.” Shanley subtitles his play “a parable.” What is the difference between myth and parable? What is the general idea that Shanley is trying to convey?
2. What is the parable that Shanley is telling via the story in the drama? (Refer to the “Preface,” for a strong hint.)
3. Shanley dedicates the play to “the many orders of Catholic nuns who have devoted their lives to serving others.” Why would he dedicate the play to them? What does his dedication imply? Given the character of Sister Aloysius, does this dedication seem ironic?
4. In the “Preface,” Shanley criticizes the fact that “we are living in a culture of extreme advocacy, of confrontation, of judgment, and of verdict.” In what sense might the play itself be considered an attempt to remedy this cultural trend. Provide examples to support your stance.
5. Shanley seems to suggest that reality is a fiction. In his preface, for example, he states that faith is “a shared dream we agreed to call Reality.” How does he develop this idea in the play?
6. The play’s preface ends with the statement that “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.” Why would Shanley celebrate uncertainty? What does uncertainty give us that certainty cannot?
7. Father Flynn argues that skepticism can provide a sense of community that is every bit as nourishing as faith. Indeed, he ends his first sermon by saying, “Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty.” Do you agree or disagree? Support your answer with examples from the play and/or personal experience.
8. Sister Aloysius tells Sister James, “the best teachers do not perform; they cause their students to perform.” How does Sister Aloysius expect Sister James to perform her duties and responsibilities?
9. Sister Aloysius tells Sister James, “the best teachers do not perform; they cause the students to perform.” Do you agree? What are teachers currently expected to do in order to hold students’ attention? What is expected of students?
10. Why does Sister Aloysius favor fountain pens that must be dipped in ink rather than ballpoint pens? How are these two modes of writing symbolic? Why is penmanship important? What does it suggest (at least to Sister Aloysius?
11. Shanley unambiguously defends skepticism in his “Preface.” However, as one of his epigraphs, taken from Ecclesiastes, suggests, “in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.” Sister James echoes this sentiment when she admits, near the end of the play, that she “can’t sleep at night anymore. Everything seems uncertain to me.” Ignorance is bliss. Is gaining experience, with its attendant anxieties, worth sacrificing your innocence?
12. What specific evidence does Sister Aloysius have to support her conviction that Father Flynn behaved inappropriately with Donald? How does Sister Aloyisius go about gathering her proof? What is her view on truth? Father Flynn reminds Sister Aloyisius that “even if you feel certainty, it is an emotion and not a fact.” What is your view on truth? Do you believe in absolute truth or relative truth?
13. Sister Aloysius points out that the gardener “pruned this bush, which was the right thing to do, but he neglected to protect it from the frost.” How does this statement apply to sister Aloyisius’ own attempts to protect her students? Why is the action of pruning symbolic?
14. What is Sister Aloysius’ background as it is revealed in the play? Is she unnecessarily or legitimately prejudiced against the boys in the school? Against Father Flynn?
15. How does segregation along gender lines affect Father Flynn? Sister Aloyisius succinctly states that “the men run everything” and “we might as well be separated by the Atlantic Ocean.” How is her power thwarted?
16. One of the principles of our legal system is that one is innocent until proven guilty. Does Sister Aloysius abide by this? Should she? What is more dangerous in this situation: presuming innocence or presuming guilt?
17. How is the following line symbolic? Sister Aloysius humorously declares: “What with our being in black and white, and so prone to falling, we’re more like dominoes that anything else.”
18. What does Sister Aloysius’ concern for Sister Veronica reveal about her own character? Why does she lie to Father Flynn about Sister Veronica? Could it represent more than just Sister Aloysius’ fear that Sister Veronica could be sent away?
19. Does the end justify the means for Sister Aloysius—or does she believe it should? Explain.
20. Shanley refers to the danger of “extreme advocacy” in the “Preface.” What aspects of “extreme advocacy” are represented by Father Flynn, Sister Aloysius, and Sister James?
21. Mrs. Muller is the only character who comes from the “outside” of the school to have a conference with Sister Aloysius. How does Mrs. Muller represent a more complex character than either Sister Aloysius or Father Flynn?
22. The three principal characters are Sisters Aloysius and James and Father Flynn. At the conclusion of the play, what is the state of mind of Sister James? Why?
23. Sister Aloysius is equally torn by doubt as Sister James in the plays conclusion, but not for the same reason. What is source of Sister Aloysius’ doubt and why does it so torture her?
24. What is suggested to Sister Aloysius with Father Flynn’s long nails, his penchant for sugar, his ballpoint pen, and his suggestion of secular music for the Christmas pageant?
Monday, February 7, 2011
Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant
A number of disciples went to the Buddha and said, "Sir, there are living here in Savatthi many wandering hermits and scholars who indulge in constant dispute, some saying that the world is infinite and eternal and others that it is finite and not eternal, some saying that the soul dies with the body and others that it lives on forever, and so forth. What, Sir, would you say concerning them?"
The Buddha answered, "Once upon a time there was a certain raja who called to his servant and said, 'Come, good fellow, go and gather together in one place all the men of Savatthi who were born blind... and show them an elephant.' 'Very good, sire,' replied the servant, and he did as he was told. He said to the blind men assembled there, 'Here is an elephant,' and to one man he presented the head of the elephant, to another its ears, to another a tusk, to another the trunk, the foot, back, tail, and tuft of the tail, saying to each one that that was the elephant.
"When the blind men had felt the elephant, the raja went to each of them and said to each, 'Well, blind man, have you seen the elephant? Tell me, what sort of thing is an elephant?'
"Thereupon the men who were presented with the head answered, 'Sire, an elephant is like a pot.' And the men who had observed the ear replied, 'An elephant is like a winnowing basket.' Those who had been presented with a tusk said it was a ploughshare. Those who knew only the trunk said it was a plough; others said the body was a grainery; the foot, a pillar; the back, a mortar; the tail, a pestle, the tuft of the tail, a brush.
"Then they began to quarrel, shouting, 'Yes it is!' 'No, it is not!' 'An elephant is not that!' 'Yes, it's like that!' and so on, till they came to blows over the matter.
"Brethren, the raja was delighted with the scene.
"Just so are these preachers and scholars holding various views blind and unseeing.... In their ignorance they are by nature quarrelsome, wrangling, and disputatious, each maintaining reality is thus and thus."
Then the Exalted One rendered this meaning by uttering this verse of uplift,
The Buddha answered, "Once upon a time there was a certain raja who called to his servant and said, 'Come, good fellow, go and gather together in one place all the men of Savatthi who were born blind... and show them an elephant.' 'Very good, sire,' replied the servant, and he did as he was told. He said to the blind men assembled there, 'Here is an elephant,' and to one man he presented the head of the elephant, to another its ears, to another a tusk, to another the trunk, the foot, back, tail, and tuft of the tail, saying to each one that that was the elephant.
"When the blind men had felt the elephant, the raja went to each of them and said to each, 'Well, blind man, have you seen the elephant? Tell me, what sort of thing is an elephant?'
"Thereupon the men who were presented with the head answered, 'Sire, an elephant is like a pot.' And the men who had observed the ear replied, 'An elephant is like a winnowing basket.' Those who had been presented with a tusk said it was a ploughshare. Those who knew only the trunk said it was a plough; others said the body was a grainery; the foot, a pillar; the back, a mortar; the tail, a pestle, the tuft of the tail, a brush.
"Then they began to quarrel, shouting, 'Yes it is!' 'No, it is not!' 'An elephant is not that!' 'Yes, it's like that!' and so on, till they came to blows over the matter.
"Brethren, the raja was delighted with the scene.
"Just so are these preachers and scholars holding various views blind and unseeing.... In their ignorance they are by nature quarrelsome, wrangling, and disputatious, each maintaining reality is thus and thus."
Then the Exalted One rendered this meaning by uttering this verse of uplift,
- O how they cling and wrangle, some who claim
- For preacher and monk the honored name!
- For, quarreling, each to his view they cling.
- Such folk see only one side of a thing.
- Jainism and Buddhism. Udana 68-69:
- Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant
More on DOUBT
The subtitle of "Doubt" is "A Parable." Parables are very simple stories in which
a character must face a choice and accept the consequences of that decision. In other words, a parable is a brief, realistic story that illustrates a moral or ethical choice. In some parables, the main character, or protagonist, makes the right choice, and in others, he or she takes the wrong path. Parables are metaphors; they make their point indirectly.
1. Father Flynn argues that skepticism can provide a sense of community that is every bit as nourishing as faith. Indeed, he ends his first sermon by saying, “Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty.” Do you agree or disagree? Support your answer with examples from the play and/or personal experience.
2. "Doubt" begins with a parable. In the course of a sermon (also called a homily), Father Flynn tells the story of a man who is lost at sea and clinging to the hope that he has set the correct course for home. What happens to the man? Father Flynn doesn’t say, and thus, the play begins on a note of doubt. In what way does the play END on a note of doubt as well?
3. In the “Preface,” Shanley criticizes the fact that “we are living in a culture of extreme advocacy, of confrontation, of judgment, and of verdict.” In what sense might the play itself be considered an attempt to remedy this cultural trend. Provide examples to support your stance.
4. The play’s preface ends with the statement that “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.” Why would Shanley celebrate uncertainty? What does uncertainty give us that certainty cannot?
5. Why does Sister Aloysius favor fountain pens that must be dipped in ink rather than ballpoint pens? How are these two modes of writing symbolic? Why is penmanship important? What does it suggest?
6. What specific evidence does Sister Aloysius have to support her conviction that Father Flynn behaved inappropriately with Donald? How does Sister Aloyisius go about gathering her proof? What is her view on truth? Father Flynn reminds Sister Aloyisius that “even if you feel certainty, it is an emotion and not a fact.” What is your view on truth? Do you believe in absolute truth or relative truth?
7. Sister Aloyisius points out that the gardener “pruned this bush, which was the right thing to do, but he neglected to protect it from the frost.” How does this statement apply to sister Aloyisius’ own attempts to protect her students? Why is the action of pruning symbolic?
8. One of the principles of our legal system is that one is innocent until proven guilty. Does Sister Aloyisius abide by this? Should she? What is more dangerous in this situation: presuming innocence or presuming guilt?
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Essay #1 Rubric
Essential Criteria for Essay #1 | Total Point Value | Points Achieved |
Thesis Statement Appears in the first paragraph, stated explicitly and clearly indicates topic or main idea of essay; the single most important sentence in the essay; every paragraph and detail should, in some way, support this statement. | 10 pts. | |
Content & Knowledge Adequate information from the reading selection(s) MUST be given as evidence to support the thesis statement; paragraphs MUST be developed with examples and details that are presented, analyzed and related to the thesis. It is NOT sufficient to present a summary of a story; one MUST interpret, analyze and explain. | 25 pts. | |
Organization, Unity, Fluency & Coherence · Thought must be given to the best manner of presentation (organization) of the analysis; one way of presenting evidence is in the chronological order that it is presented in the story; another way is to build evidence from your weakest point to your strongest, leaving a strong impression on the reader in the conclusion. · Unity results when a strong thesis leads to paragraphs that directly relate and support the main idea. There are no wasted or superfluous words, no meaningless information. · Fluency comes from the logic established between sentences and paragraphs through transitions and logic. · Coherence comes from writing that is free of sentence flaws and mechanical errors. In order for thoughts and ideas to be understood, all sentences must make sense and be free of distractions that inhibit clear understanding. A paper will fail if there is an excess of fragments, run-ons, comma splices, or agreement | 40 pts. | |
Conventions of Academic Papers on Literature:
| 25 pts. |
Good Question!
I always appreciate students who ask the questions that everyone wants to know (but may be afraid to ask). Here is a question I received via email:
Here was my reply--for those who are equally curious:
I was just wondering, to what extent are you going to be grading our essays? Because I myself am not a very good writer and it takes me longer than two days to develop a well rounded essay.
Here was my reply--for those who are equally curious:
Today, I will be answering questions, giving everyone a chance to review & revise his/her paper. I plan to give everyone a rubric today for self-checking the essay. However, we will be having in-class essays soon. These will not allow time outside of class or in-class to perfect the essay. The final will also be an in-class essay (required by MSC English Dept.; I can't change the policy). I'm not sure what you will do in those situations.
I would suggest that when I post discussion questions on my blog that you answer those, in writing, and begin to further develop your skills as a critical thinker/writer. We are only in class two and a half hours a week. If you wait until it's time to write an essay, your skills may be rusty and the task of writing considerably harder. If you work on discussion questions at least four or five times a week, you won't feel the intense pressure that you may feel now. You might also come to my office for a conference so that I can see what your brainstorming looks like, the plan you hope to take with your paper and perhaps offer guidelines or suggestions for the composition.
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