Inherit The Wind Analysis

Inherit the Wind, based on the famous "Scopes Monkey Trial" in the small town Dayton, Tennessee, was written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. The play was not intended to depict the actual history or the proceedings in the Scopes' trial but it was used as a vehicle for exploring social anxiety and ant-intellectualism that existed in the Americas during the1950s. Lawrence and Lee wrote the play as a response to the threat to intellectual freedom presented by the anti-Communist hysteria of the McCarthy era. The major themes depicted in the Inherit the Wind include the intellectual curiosity, narrow-mindedness or limited perception, the importance of religion, and the relationship between the perception of others and self-worth portrayed
It is the way they have been taught to do. They preach about Christianity and proclaim the importance of morality, according to the Bible. For instance, everyone was singing "Give me That Old Time Religion" in the parade waiting for Bray's arrival to persecute heretical Cates. Another physical representation of Christian sentiment from the town is the "Read Your Bible!" banner which hangs over the entrance to the courthouse; moreover, it is a representation of the belief and understanding these people hold. They take the Bible literally, or as Brady says, "everything in the Bible should be accepted, exactly as it's given there" (p.87). For Brady, it was more than taking the literal interpretation; it was complete acceptance. Brady, representing the town, is not willing to question or seek new interpretations; it was the unthinkable. This type of perception prevents the mind to progress and to shut down. In doing so, it forces oneself not to undergo the natural human process of wondering at that, which does not make sense. Consequently, one is inhibiting curiosity in the mind. While Brady chooses to accept the Bible and not to think, Drummond chooses to think. Drummond questions at things he does not know or understand; thus, he promotes the intellectualism and argues the freedom of thought as a basic right. In some sense, it is like believing in some so perfect with no
Despite the town's view of Cates as a blasphemer, Cates know he did nothing wrong. Cates did not see through the same window as the does the town. He understands the complexity of the world and questions about what does not make sense. His curiosity extends when he questions about the stars and moon and whispers them into Rachel's ear. Cates urges Rachel to see things beneath the surface and dig deeper to see the complications. The town condemns Cates because he taught evolution and broke the law. Cates is scared in court because the "people look at [him] as if [he] was a murder" (p. 50). However, Drummond assures him by saying that he cares about Bert and fighting for the freedom to think and question. Through the battle between Brady and Drummond, the jury finds Cates guilty. The judge fines Cates for $100 and Drummond says he will appeal the case; however, his victory is setting an example for others who choose to think. It will make it easier for the next person. Cates finds a new life with Rachel away from the small town