Is an alleged man of God really to be trusted? In John Patrick Shanley's play Doubt, Father Flynn and Sister Aloysius become entangled in a conflict that calls into question 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 reports 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 based on his suspicious behavior and defensive actions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay From the moment Sister Aloysius accuses Father Flynn, he displays discomfort and behaves suspiciously. Father Flynn notices his discomfort and goes into defense mode when Sister Aloysius questions him about being alone with Donald in the rectory: “Did this happen? Nothing happened. I talked to a guy. 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 about Sister Aloysius's tone. Furthermore, Father Flynn attempts to contain his guilt by controlling his facial expressions. Later, Father Flynn attempts to divert the conversation with Sister Aloysius when she is dissatisfied with why he held a private conversation with Donald: I have no desire to continue this conversation any further. And if this doesn't satisfy you, I advise you to talk to Monsignor Benedetto. I can only imagine that your unfortunate behavior this morning is the result of overwork. Maybe you need a leave of absence. I can suggest it. (Shanley 33) Father Flynn is superior to Sister Aloysius as the priest of St. Nicholas, a Catholic church and school, and Father Flynn uses his power of position to quell the conversation with Sister Aloysius. Ordering Sister Aloysius to speak to Monsignor Benedict, Father Flynn ends the interrogation before Sister Aloysius can catch him in more lies. When Father Flynn suggests to Sister Aloysius that she may need a leave of absence, he once again imposes power on Sister Aloysius' position by threatening her with the suggestion of a leave of absence. Another reason why Father Flynn is guilty is because he leaves the church to defend his reputation even though Sister Aloysius has no physical evidence. Sister Aloysius uses the false will of a nun from Father Flynn's previous church to pressure him into moving to another parish. Sister Aloysius confronts Father Flynn and supports his accusations with fabricated evidence: "This morning, before speaking to 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 not true, Father Flynn appears distressed and becomes defensive again. Furthermore, the mere fact that Father Flynn has been to three parishes in five years is disturbing. Father Flynn implicates himself further when he responds to Sister Aloysius' accusations. Instead of standing firm in his story and position, Father Flynn argues that he cannot tell Sister Aloysius everything: I cannot tell everything. You understand? There are things I can't say. Even if you can't imagine the explanation, sister, remember that there are circumstances beyond your knowledge... That child needed a friend! (Shanley 56-57). It is clear that Father Flynn is protecting himself or someone else, but in any case, Father Flynn is guilty of some kind of affair.