Power is earned, not given. There are many different types of power that people can gain. Power becomes a problem when it is not questioned or tested. Therefore, the one in power would have total control over anything or anyone he or she wants, or feels that way. People in power feel invincible when they are not challenged. This has been shown throughout history to create a problem. For example, Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal are similar to the scandal with Father Flynn in Doubt. Doubt, by John Patrick Shanley, exemplifies the underlying message that unquestioning faith leads to abuse of power. Specifically, this is demonstrated by Father Flynn's reputation, cover-up, and resignation, all of which are related to Richard Nixon's Watergate scandal. A reputation can be so well established that if a person in power makes a mistake, people will not believe it. For example, when Mrs. Muller says, “Let me ask you something. Do you really think that priest gave Donald that wine to drink?” (47). Donald's mother is questioning Sister Aloysius because she doesn't believe Father Flynn would do such a thing. He has the reputation of being a great priest and his reputation is better than that of Sister Aloysius. Mrs. Muller states, “You won't go up against any man in a dressing gown and win, sister. He has the position." (47). Precisely because Father Flynn is a male he has a higher reputation than a nun, which he knows and can accumulate for his actions. In the hierarchy of the Church, the male head priest is the most dominant. Therefore , no one questions what he is doing; the reputation of being an influential priest who gives great sermons. He knows he has the power to do what he wants and he has his colleague Monsignor and other men in the middle... in the middle of the paper... analyzing their quotes both one could say that they are interchangeable. More power brings more responsibility and those who have power are put on a stage and are constantly observed. Having a positive reputation one can have the feeling of being able to do anything and get away with it, but it's exactly the opposite. You should maintain your power by setting an example for the people you have power over. Maintaining and gaining power has been a topic of discussion throughout history and the answers are still unknown. Overall, people in power need to be questioned and observed, so that they do not abuse the opportunities they have. Works Cited Shanley Patrick, John. Doubt. New York: Theater Communications Group Inc, 2005. Print "The History Place - Impeachment: Richard Nixon." The place of history - Impeachment: Richard Nixon. The place of history, 2000. Web. 05 December. 2013.