Should we really trust a presumed man of God? In the play Doubt by John Patrick Shanley, Father Flynn and Sister Aloysius find themselves embroiled in a conflict that casts doubt on Father Flynn's innocence. Sister Aloysius suspects Father Flynn of dishonest behavior and accuses him of sexually abusing a young schoolboy named Donald. When Sister James points out the smell of alcohol on Donald's breath, Sister Aloysius becomes convinced of Father Flynn's guilt. Based on the evidence in Shanley's play, Doubt: A Parable, it is very likely that Father Flynn is guilty due to his suspicious behavior and defensive actions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay From the moment Sister Aloysius accuses Father Flynn, he shows unease and acts suspiciously. Father Flynn notes her discomfort and goes into defense mode when Sister Aloysius questions him about being alone with Donald at the rectory: “Did that happen? Nothing happened. I had a conversation with a boy. It was a private matter” (Shanley 32). When Sister Aloysius points out that having a conversation with a twelve-year-old boy cannot be private, Father Flynn immediately becomes argumentative of Sister Aloysius' tone. Additionally, Father Flynn attempts to contain his guilt by controlling his facial expressions. Later, Father Flynn attempts to deflect the conversation with Sister Aloysius when she is unhappy with his reasoning for holding a private conversation with Donald: I have no wish to pursue this conversation any further. And if that doesn't satisfy you, I suggest you talk to Monsignor Benedict about it. I can only imagine that your unfortunate behavior this morning is the result of overwork. Maybe you need time off. I can suggest it. (Shanley 33) Father Flynn is superior to Sister Aloysius as priest of St. Nicholas, a Catholic church and school, and Father Flynn uses his power of position to suppress conversation with Sister Aloysius. Ordering Sister Aloysius to speak with Monsignor Benedict, Father Flynn ends the interrogation before Sister Aloysius can catch him in a lie. When Father Flynn suggests to Sister Aloysius that she might need a leave of absence, he again imposes his power over Sister Aloysius' position by threatening to suggest a leave of absence. Another reason Father Flynn is guilty is because he leaves the church to defend his reputation even though Sister Aloysius has no physical proof. Sister Aloysius uses the false will of a nun from Father Flynn's old church to pressure him into transferring to another parish. Sister Aloysius confronts Father Flynn and supports her accusations with fabricated evidence: “This morning, before speaking with Mrs. Muller, I took the precaution of calling the last parish to which you were assigned… This is your third parish in five years” (Shanley 53). Although Sister Aloysius' story is false, Father Flynn appears upset and becomes defensive again. Additionally, the simple fact that Father Flynn has been to three parishes in five years is concerning. Father Flynn becomes even more involved when he responds to Sister Aloysius' accusations. Instead of standing firm on his story and his position, Father Flynn asserts that he cannot tell Sister Aloysius everything: I can't say everything. Do you understand? There are things I can't say. Even if you can't imagine the explanation, my sister, remember that there are circumstances beyond your knowledge... This child needed a friend! (Shanley 56-57). It is clear that Father Flynn.