Power is earned, not given. There are many types of power that people can gain. Power becomes a problem when it is not questioned or tested. Therefore, the one with power would have complete control over anything or anyone they wanted, or they would feel that way. People in power feel invincible when they don't question it. Throughout history this has been proven to create a problem. For example, the scandal of Richard Nixon and Watergate is similar to the scandal of Father Flynn in Doubt. Doubt, by John Patrick Shanley, illustrates an underlying message that unquestioned faith leads to abuse of power. Specifically, this is seen in Father Flynn's reputation, cover-up, and resignation, all of which correlate with Richard Nixon's Watergate scandal. A reputation can be so well established that if someone in power does something wrong, people won't believe it. For example, when Mrs. Muller says, “Let me ask you something. Do you honestly think this priest gave Donald this wine to drink? (47). Donald's mother questions his sister Aloysius because she doesn't believe Father Flynn would do such a thing. He has the reputation of being a high priest and his reputation is better than that of Sister Aloysius. Mrs. Muller says, “You will not take on any man in a dress and you will not win, sister. He has the job. (47). The simple fact that Father Flynn is a man gives him a higher reputation than a nun, which he knows and can accumulate for his actions. In the Church hierarchy, the chief priest is the most dominant. Therefore, no one questions what he does; he has the reputation of being this influential priest who gives great sermons. He knows he has the power to do what he wants and has his fellow Monsignor and other men in the middle of paper...... analyzing their two quotes one could say they are interchangeable. With more power comes more responsibility and whoever has power is placed on stage and is constantly monitored. Having a positive reputation can make you feel like you can do anything and get away with it, but it's quite the opposite. You must maintain your power by setting an example for those over whom you have power. Maintaining and gaining power has been debated throughout history and the answers are still unknown. Overall, those in power need to be questioned and monitored, so that they do not abuse the opportunity given to them. Works Cited Shanley Patrick, John. Doubt. New York: Theater Communications Group Inc, 2005. Print “The History Place – Impeachment: Richard Nixon.” The History Place - Impeachment: Richard Nixon. The place of history, 2000. Web. December 5. 2013.