Do the characters in the play define their dilemmas different? Do they choose different relevant facts based on their worldviews? All of the characters of the Doubt pose different worldviews and dilemmas which are based on their values, beliefs, character, environment and status.
Sis. Aloysius – Her dilemma was the challenge she faced when going against those in authority within the Catholic Faith. She knew that going up against Father Flynn with such an accusation would not be easily accepted by those in authority and it would be dismissed or “swept under the rug” so to speak. During the 1960’s the Catholic Church and its leaders were held in such high esteem, Nuns were not allowed to question the acts or views of their superiors. Therefore, she felt so strongly that Father Flynn was guilty and was determined to have him removed for the protection of the children and the church/school by any means necessary. She choose to pursue what she felt was the right thing to do, even if it meant doing wrong in the process.
Sis James – Her dilemma was choosing between standing for what she believed in her heart to be right or allowing her judgment to be clouded by Sis Aloysius views. James also believed in establishing a relationship with her students in order to better understand their needs. Her worldview was an innocent and naive view of people. She chose to stand for her own convictions.
Father Flynn – Flynn was faced with the dilemma of standing up against the accusations against Sis Aloysius accusations against him or bowing out. He knew there was no concrete evidence that she had against him, but did not want to take the chance of having this whole thing blow up in his face. He also had his reputation and the school’s reputation to consider, especially knowing that he had been in 5 other parishes within the past 3 years. This could have opened up a huge case against the church and his superiors. He also wanted to change some of the old traditions of the church by bringing it into more worldliness in order to advance its growth within the community. He chose to bow out gracefully.
Mrs. Muller – Her dilemma was one that reaches far into “the lesser of the two evils”. She was faced with accepting someone taking advantage of her son in order to protect him from what she felt was a “greater evil”. She kept saying “it’s only till June”. She wanted the best outcome for her son she said “out of evil some good would come”…..”so let him have him”. Muller knew of her son’s sexual tendencies and called it his “nature”, so for his protection from the students in the other schools and from his father who didn’t “like him”. She told Sis. Aloysius “to leave it alone”. She felt if her son could make it to June he could have a better opportunity of entering a good high school and college. This was very important to her considering the era in which they lived “1960’s”. she wanted him to have a better opportunity in life and was understanding and accepting of his sexuality because she loved him. She was faced with the “lesser of the two evils.”
What is a worldview? Some key aspects of my worldview.
A worldview is the fundamentals that a society’s belief or value system is based upon. These values sometimes are the principles on which our laws, rules and decisions are based upon. There are various worldviews in today’s society and our nation’s “worldview” has changed and is changing as we become a more global society.
My worldview is based in a strong Christian foundation by the authoritative Word of God. I do believe in absolutes, right and wrong, and the authority of God as supreme over our lives. God is just and his judgments are righteous. I believe in the trinity of God and that a man must be born again of the Spirit of God in order to enter the Kingdom of God. I believe that Jesus is the only way to the Father “God”.