Creationism In Inherit The Wind
The newly formulated theory of evolution crafted by Charles Darwin in the 19th century was both radical and revolutionary by today’s standards. Due to its obvious conflicts with Creationist views brought about by the Bible, the theory was not commonly adopted by people who worshipped the Bible’s teachings. The play Inherit the Wind, written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, models itself directly after the famous 1925 Tennessee v. Scopes trial in which Darwin’s theory of evolution and the Bible’s Creationism which were at odds. The defendant Bertram Cates and his defense attorney Henry Drummond face off against the prosecuting attorney Matthew Harrison Brady in a court of law. Throughout the entire trial, Drummond is seen as being perseverant,
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During a talk with Rachel about Cates, Drummond states, “Bert is a good man. Maybe even a great one. And it takes strength for a woman to love such a man. Especially when he’s a pariah in the community” (Lee and Lawrence 55). His sympathy for Rachel’s troublesome situation is apparent by his phrases made to make her feel better about her predicament. The support given to Rachel by Drummond allows her to eventually accept Cates’ views and to escape from the constant fear of her father. Another appearance of Drummond’s empathetic side occurs during his conversation with Cates about the final outcome of the trial. He says, “What jury? Twelve men? Millions of people will say you won. They'll read in their papers tonight that you smashed a bad law. You made it a joke!” (Lawrence and Lee 122). While Cates focusses on the immediate consequences of the jury’s ruling, Drummond looks ahead to how they have emerged victorious in the long term and in the eyes of the public. Furthermore, Drummond’s statement makes it easier for Cates to claim victory for their achievements even though he may have been announced guilty in court. This shows that Drummond cares about Cates’ confidence through attempts to bolster it after the trial. Through scenes of compassion shown by Drummond, the reader is clearly directed to take the side of Cates and his followers rather than Brady’s
During a talk with Rachel about Cates, Drummond states, “Bert is a good man. Maybe even a great one. And it takes strength for a woman to love such a man. Especially when he’s a pariah in the community” (Lee and Lawrence 55). His sympathy for Rachel’s troublesome situation is apparent by his phrases made to make her feel better about her predicament. The support given to Rachel by Drummond allows her to eventually accept Cates’ views and to escape from the constant fear of her father. Another appearance of Drummond’s empathetic side occurs during his conversation with Cates about the final outcome of the trial. He says, “What jury? Twelve men? Millions of people will say you won. They'll read in their papers tonight that you smashed a bad law. You made it a joke!” (Lawrence and Lee 122). While Cates focusses on the immediate consequences of the jury’s ruling, Drummond looks ahead to how they have emerged victorious in the long term and in the eyes of the public. Furthermore, Drummond’s statement makes it easier for Cates to claim victory for their achievements even though he may have been announced guilty in court. This shows that Drummond cares about Cates’ confidence through attempts to bolster it after the trial. Through scenes of compassion shown by Drummond, the reader is clearly directed to take the side of Cates and his followers rather than Brady’s