Inherit the Wind Essay
Inherit The Wind
“Truth” VS. What Is “Right”
In the play Inherit the Wind the theme of freedom of speech is continuously reffered to.
Truth being science and right being the bible both have a crucial battle that contradicts the beliefs of each. Bertram Cates a teacher is denounced by the public as a sinner. Defended by henry
Drummond both characters not only defend the teachings of science/truth but the ability to think as well. The repeated contradictions of the towns beliefs, continuously develops causing more and more hostility towards Bertram Cates, Drummond, and the “truth”. The towns strong belief in religion is defended by Matthew Harrison Brady. A man depicted as the defender of what is
“right” prosecuting against Cates, Drummond, and in the eyes of the townspeople, their agnostic infadel beliefs. The topic of what is right and what is true is present to demonstrate the theme of freedom of speech through; the contrast of the town and Brady versus Cates and Drummond,
Cates’ willingness to go through with the trial, and the themes connection to modern day conflicts. The defence of what is “right” is led by Brady, a narcicistic believer in creationism who defends his and the beliefs of the townspeople. Having an abiding devotion to religion, brady is seen as a hero in the eyes of the townspeople. His minimal tolerance towards the teachings of science enable him to gain loyalty from the townspeople. “Brady’s gospel of forgiveness has limits, though, for the next day finds him decrying the teachings of godless science” (Todd
Pettigrew). Brady is a character whose only goal is to estinguish the fire of contradiction, which he believes was lit by Cates and fueled by Drummond. The townspeople also have a devotion to religion, opposing those who do not believe in their faith. The town describes Cates as a sinner and drummond as the devil himself who has come to shatter their religious beliefs with agnosticism. Cates and
“Truth” VS. What Is “Right”
In the play Inherit the Wind the theme of freedom of speech is continuously reffered to.
Truth being science and right being the bible both have a crucial battle that contradicts the beliefs of each. Bertram Cates a teacher is denounced by the public as a sinner. Defended by henry
Drummond both characters not only defend the teachings of science/truth but the ability to think as well. The repeated contradictions of the towns beliefs, continuously develops causing more and more hostility towards Bertram Cates, Drummond, and the “truth”. The towns strong belief in religion is defended by Matthew Harrison Brady. A man depicted as the defender of what is
“right” prosecuting against Cates, Drummond, and in the eyes of the townspeople, their agnostic infadel beliefs. The topic of what is right and what is true is present to demonstrate the theme of freedom of speech through; the contrast of the town and Brady versus Cates and Drummond,
Cates’ willingness to go through with the trial, and the themes connection to modern day conflicts. The defence of what is “right” is led by Brady, a narcicistic believer in creationism who defends his and the beliefs of the townspeople. Having an abiding devotion to religion, brady is seen as a hero in the eyes of the townspeople. His minimal tolerance towards the teachings of science enable him to gain loyalty from the townspeople. “Brady’s gospel of forgiveness has limits, though, for the next day finds him decrying the teachings of godless science” (Todd
Pettigrew). Brady is a character whose only goal is to estinguish the fire of contradiction, which he believes was lit by Cates and fueled by Drummond. The townspeople also have a devotion to religion, opposing those who do not believe in their faith. The town describes Cates as a sinner and drummond as the devil himself who has come to shatter their religious beliefs with agnosticism. Cates and
Cited: Pettigrew, Todd. "Religion in Inherit the Wind." McClinton-Temple, Jennifer ed. Encyclopedia of Themes in Literature. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2011. Bloom 's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. “Inherit The Wind”. New York: Random House Publishing group, 2004 Menton, David. “Inherit the Wind”: An Historical Analysis.” Creation: Ex Nihilo 19 (December, 1996-February, 1997): 35-38.