“Doubt, A Parable” by Patrick Shanley revolves around the aspects of the society where people make a lot of uncertain decisions, hoping that the outcomes will be on their favor. Shanley wrote the play as a dedication to Catholic nuns who have devoted their lives to serve other people in hospitals, retirement homes, schools and in other settings. He raises many questions to the audience about their perceptions of day-to-day life decisions. He asks the following questions in the preface section: “Do you believe in God? Who is your best friend? What do you want?” The questions raise a sense of dilemma and a topic of deliberation since the answers are seemingly temporary and deceptive. Shanley wrote the play based on his experiences as a young Catholic member in 1964, where he would believe everything, he was taught during his church attendance sessions.
However, as he grew old, his convictions about the majority of the things he had learned started changing. He realizes that he was vulnerable at a young age and that made him trustful to every “predator who was free to plunder.” Shanley views “doubt” as an essential aspect of life, which is vital for any wise adult (Shanley ix). He regards it as a significant component of the day-to-day decision-making process. He also notes that the beginning of transformations in life is the moment of doubt. Shanley further states that doubt requires more courage, energy, and passion in order to be convinced about certain things. The essay purposes to embrace doubt as a positive element of life, rather than the usual stereotype of negative perception.
Works Cited
Shanley, John Patrick. Doubt: A Parable. New York: Dramatist Play Service, (2005):43-186.
