Nicolas school, which represents the feelings of Pope John XXIII during this time period. Sister Aloysius is an extreme traditionalist, and is completely against change; she has no use for a new, contemporary church. The two characters constantly disagree with one another, especially on page 28 of the text. Regarding the Christmas pageant, Father Flynn suggests it might be jolly to include a secular song such as Frosty the Snowman (Shanley, 28). Sister Aloysius, completely disturbed, claims the song should be banned from the airwaves because it espouses a pagan belief in magic, which does not agree with religion (Shanley 29). There are also many elusions to the transition of the Catholic Church, such as when Sister Aloysius disagrees with the new use of ballpoint pens, Father Flynns use of sugar in his tea, his long fingernails, and his suggestion of taking the boys on a camping trip. It is clear that Sister Aloysius feels secure and comfortable with how things are, and does not want to experience the feelings of uncertainty or doubt. .
Another circumstance the play is involved with is President John F. Kennedys assassination. In the secular world, President Kennedy was assassinated in November of 1963, which means Doubt is placed about about ten months following his death. America lost its first Catholic President, which caused its civilians to experience an overall state of doubt and ambiguity in their lives. America was also involved in the Vietnam War at this time, and combined with the loss of their president, there was a sense of uncertainty and loss of security. These circumstances in the secular world are seen in the world of the play, specifically during Father Flynns sermon at the beginning. He states Last year when President Kennedy was assassinated, who among us did not experience the most profound disorientation. Despair (Shanley, 5). Father Flynn continues his sermon with the story of a sailor who has doubts about his course while he is lost at sea, describing it as a dilemma on a voyage without apparent end and a crisis in faith (Shanley, 6).
