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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smart, and empathetic and uses these traits to help Cates win back his honor. Drummond’s sense of perseverance inspires everyone around him to not lose hope and to fight for what they believe in. During a discussion in the courtroom between Drummond, Rachel, and Cates, Drummond exclaims, “A thinking man! And he is threatened with fine and imprisonment because he chooses to speak what he thinks” (Lee and Lawrence 72). Drummond does not believe that Cates should back down from the case due his belief that their side of the argument is a just and intellectual one. His dedication in fighting for what he believes to be the “right to think” against an overwhelming majority of Creationists directly reflects his overall character. During a conversation with Cates, Drummond says, “All shine, and no substance! Bert, whenever you see something bright, shining, perfect-seeming—all gold, with purple spots—look behind the paint! And if it’s a lie—show it up for what it really is! (Lee and Lawrence 109). Drummond’s cynical, yet intelligent, outlook on unrealistic objects represents his perseverant fight against Brady and Creationism where they represent the object which is too lustrous to be true. Drummond’s determination to see to the case until the end and his strength in fighting against the majority, including those who hold powerful positions in the community, shows his perseverance throughout the trial. The intelligence of Drummond helps to prove Cates’ innocence to the world and to dismantle Brady’s large ego during the trial. When Brady and Drummond are discussing their old friendship, Drummond says, “All motion is relative. Perhaps it is you who have moved away by standing still” (Lee and Lawrence 67). His intelligence represented in this conversation comes from the quote taken from Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and by his appropriate response to Brady’s antiquated beliefs. During the trial, in response to Brady, Drummond exclaims, “It must’ve happened! According to natural law…Would you like to ban Copernicus from the classroom, along with Charles Darwin? (89). In this quote, Drummond compares Brady’s views and motives with the ones who banned Copernicus’ teachings hundreds of years ago. This witty question shows how he is able to intellectually unravel even the most ignorant beliefs, one of which being Brady’s view of Creationism. Drummond’s profound intellectual capabilities allows him to embody the intellectual argument versus Brady and his stagnant beliefs. The empathetic side of Drummond is shown mostly during his private talks with Cates and Rachel and helps him establish a sense of righteousness within them both.
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
side. The symbolic meaning of righteousness in Drummond’s character is revealed through his dedication, cunning, and compassionate personality. The portrayal of these traits throughout the story helps the reader identify the protagonist and antagonist, along with these positive traits helping him achieve a decisive victory over Brady.
smart, and empathetic and uses these traits to help Cates win back his honor. Drummond’s sense of perseverance inspires everyone around him to not lose hope and to fight for what they believe in. During a discussion in the courtroom between Drummond, Rachel, and Cates, Drummond exclaims, “A thinking man! And he is threatened with fine and imprisonment because he chooses to speak what he thinks” (Lee and Lawrence 72). Drummond does not believe that Cates should back down from the case due his belief that their side of the argument is a just and intellectual one. His dedication in fighting for what he believes to be the “right to think” against an overwhelming majority of Creationists directly reflects his overall character. During a conversation with Cates, Drummond says, “All shine, and no substance! Bert, whenever you see something bright, shining, perfect-seeming—all gold, with purple spots—look behind the paint! And if it’s a lie—show it up for what it really is! (Lee and Lawrence 109). Drummond’s cynical, yet intelligent, outlook on unrealistic objects represents his perseverant fight against Brady and Creationism where they represent the object which is too lustrous to be true. Drummond’s determination to see to the case until the end and his strength in fighting against the majority, including those who hold powerful positions in the community, shows his perseverance throughout the trial. The intelligence of Drummond helps to prove Cates’ innocence to the world and to dismantle Brady’s large ego during the trial. When Brady and Drummond are discussing their old friendship, Drummond says, “All motion is relative. Perhaps it is you who have moved away by standing still” (Lee and Lawrence 67). His intelligence represented in this conversation comes from the quote taken from Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and by his appropriate response to Brady’s antiquated beliefs. During the trial, in response to Brady, Drummond exclaims, “It must’ve happened! According to natural law…Would you like to ban Copernicus from the classroom, along with Charles Darwin? (89). In this quote, Drummond compares Brady’s views and motives with the ones who banned Copernicus’ teachings hundreds of years ago. This witty question shows how he is able to intellectually unravel even the most ignorant beliefs, one of which being Brady’s view of Creationism. Drummond’s profound intellectual capabilities allows him to embody the intellectual argument versus Brady and his stagnant beliefs. The empathetic side of Drummond is shown mostly during his private talks with Cates and Rachel and helps him establish a sense of righteousness within them both.
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
side. The symbolic meaning of righteousness in Drummond’s character is revealed through his dedication, cunning, and compassionate personality. The portrayal of these traits throughout the story helps the reader identify the protagonist and antagonist, along with these positive traits helping him achieve a decisive victory over Brady.