Inherit The Wind And The Merchant Of Venice Comparison

“It’s the loneliest feeling in the world—to find yourself standing up when everybody else is sitting down.” (Lawrence&Lee 51). Society often victimizes individuals who have a value system or a personal sense of morality that does not conform with its own. William Shakespeare, Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee expertly articulate this concept within The Merchant of Venice and Inherit the Wind. Bertram Cates and Shylock experience multiple forms of persecution in each of their towns. The fact that both characters undergo a tangible penalty highlights the similarities as well as the differences between the two plays. Analyzing the various forms of social discrimination faced by the characters enhances the reader’s understanding of the parallel beliefs of each town as well as the contrasting character personalities. There are numerous examples where Cates and
The protagonists within the plays encounter physical punishments, social oppression as well as emotional mistreatment. Bertram Cates overcomes the persecution he faces whereas Shylock surrenders himself to his wrongful fate. Bertram Cates and Shylock experience numerous instances where they are materially punished, enhancing the prevailing idea that Cates is able to endure his penalties and Shylock concedes to his consequences. In the play, Inherit the Wind, the townspeople of Hillsboro imprison Cates because his principles contradict their own. Cates is determined guilty by the jury and the court sentences him to a fine of one hundred dollars. Drummond, the defence attorney, states that Bertram Cates refuses to surrender to the unjust law on evolution: “The amount of the fine is of no concern to me. Bertram Cates has no intention whatsoever of paying this or any other fine…We will appeal this decision to