Solotiana David RAJAONESY

Public Law, Master 2 April 5th, 2016

Year 2015-2016
English

Argumentative Essay

The Jovial and Controversial Father Flynn

Doubt is a kind of psychological movie, which principally concerns the relation between a

priest (Father Flynn) and a young boy (Donald Miller). During the whole film, the spectator

cannot tell if this relationship is appropriate or not. Indeed, even if the priest’s behavior seems

normal (to a certain extent), sometime his comportment raises some doubts. Taking place in a

catholic school one year after Kennedy’s death, the movie shows that trust can be very

difficult to earn, no matter who you are or what your job is. The question is: is Father Flynn

guilty or not? Our thesis here will be that Father Flynn is guilty of having an inappropriate

relationship with Donald Miller, his student.

Therefore, we will see three arguments which support our thesis.

First of all, we can say that Father Flynn is, somehow, intimidating. Indeed, he appears, at

first, to be extremely caring about his job, like we can see in all the sermons he gives in the

movie. But then, some elements of his personality are revealed, which raise some doubts

about him: he neglects the importance of Sister Aloysius (the principal), he doesn’t fear his

superiors (he is, in fact, very friendly with them, especially the Monsignor Benedict), and

doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind in his sermons (especially the sermon about gossip). This

kind of attitude shows that Father Flynn is, somehow, untouchable. Moreover, the last time

Sister Aloysius confronts him, it is said that Father Flynn has moved to three different

parishes before coming to their school (without revealing why), an information that will make
him quit the school. But at the end of the movie, he gets promoted even if he resigned for an

unknown reason. It is obvious that Father Flynn is protected, whatever the wrongdoings he

has committed.

But, even without this indefectible protection, the very relationship between him and his

student is unclear.

Donald Miller is, indeed, a student who has many problems: he is the only black student in the

school, he seems to have trouble in making friends, his father beats him because of his

“different” nature, and he drink wine to help him forget his problems. Donald Miller seems to

be a child who needs a protective wing. It is undeniable that Father Flynn tried to protect his

student, but the way he offers his protection is too exaggerated: Father Flynn didn’t try to

become an ally, but a real father to him. He doesn’t hesitate in giving a hug after Donald

being bullied, offered him a toy (which seems to have a lot of value), and secretly brought

back Donald’s clothes into his locker. The way Donald looks at him leaves no doubt: Donald

Miller loves Father Flynn, a normal feeling towards his only benefactor. But Donald’s mother

is clear: this child is “different”. This information can be used against Father Flynn because

Donald’s love may be tainted, resulting in an inappropriate relationship.

Still, there is no actual evidence of Father Flynn’s guilt in the movie, a fact that leads us to a

final hint.

Father Flynn is a very jovial person. In all of his sermons, he seems to understand people and

to share their problems. He does an excellent job as a priest, and everybody shows love or

respect toward him: even William London, a very turbulent child, stay calm during Father

Flynn’s class. Father Flynn always protects the weakest, shares his wisdom for those who

need it, and inspires people by showing a very human side. He is someone who solves

problems rather easily. It is true that he may be rude with the Sisters: when entering Sister
Aloysius’ office in the first confrontation, he directly sits in her chair, making her a little

troubled. But here again, his jovial nature and friendly manners made it sound natural. Then,

the Sisters raise their suspicions about his relation with Donald Miller. At this very moment,

Father Flynn begins to act strangely. The more the Sisters speak about Donald, the more

Father Flynn become upset. At the end of the movie, he enrage when unable to convince

Sister Aloysius, the only person who still have doubt about his relation with Donald. Like his

mother said, Donald has to stay until June, no matter what the cost: to begin a ruckus for

Donald leaving the choirboys is not in his interests. In fact, Father Flynn seems to put more

effort in protecting their relationship than protecting the student himself.

To conclude this essay, we have to admit that there is no evidence of Father Flynn’s guilt in

the movie. We don’t know why he left the school or why Donald drank the wine. Even Sister

Aloysius, the only person who had doubt until the end, admits (at the end of the movie) that

she is unsure about her accusations. But Father Flynn is not a random pervert: he is well-

protected by his superiors, he is way too close with a young boy who loves him and react very

violently to protect that same boy. Father Flynn should have stay jovial and friendly, negotiate

with the Sisters to help the little boy rather than trying to protect him by himself. Moreover,

he is very appreciated by the community, and could just have ignore Sister Aloysius threats.

And, finally, he could have fired her by asking the Monsignor to have a look about her

suspicious intransigence. All these elements can help us determine that Father Flynn had an

inappropriate relation with Donald, but the real question is: is that relationship negative for

Donald?