Doubt 11-10

I found it extremely difficult to sympathize with any of the characters; Sister Aloysius and Mrs. Muller both seemed out of their minds, Sister James is too naïve, and based on the available evidence, I cannot make a accurate judgment on Father Flynn. He is very charismatic and likeable, yet these are two essential characteristics of a good liar!

I very much admire Sister James. I wish I could be so optimistic about people, I too often fall into a nihilistic pessimism!

With Aloysius and Flynn we have a very interesting difference in approach to leadership. Aloysius is a strict, detached disciplinarian, while Flynn is a compassionate mentor, but both wish (or seem to wish) for what is best for the child. Flynn’s apparent compassion may stem from something sinister, but it could just as likely be genuine. Aloysius seems very fake to me… as if her convictions are nothing but a front for deep-seeded doubt and uncertainty. I am always very suspicious of someone with such certainty, I would much rather admit ignorance than claim certain truth or falsehood.