Inherit The Wind Summary

The trial of Bertram Cates revolved around the concept of religion as part of school curriculum. The people of Hillsboro truly believed in the teaching of religion in public schools, whereas Bertram Cates and Henry Drummond did not believe religion was part of the necessary curriculum and thought evolution was a valid explanation for the creation of life. The duty of teachers is to educate and inform young minds about the real world and how past events relate to today’s society. Inherit the Wind describes the proper role of education as religion based and central to Catholic beliefs. The view on religion in public classrooms has greatly changed, shifting more towards an open curriculum. Inherit the Wind raises the question of classroom regulations
The role of teachers under a religion based curriculum as described in Inherit the Wind is strict and authoritarian. The Bible teaches stern lives and the people of Hillsboro believe in that, the signs saying “Read Your Bible” posted around the courtroom suggest the people strictly believe in the ideals described and shape their lives to fit according to the Bible. Drummond’s idea of an educator should be one to teach the students life lessons, stretching from the book and giving real life information along with important information. Drummond’s views on education are similar to those of public school administration in today’s
The way education is presented has varied over the past centuries, varying from religion based to liberal ideas. The question of proper education, the role of educators and the comparison to modern day education are all present in the novel Inherit the Wind. Conflicting views on the acceptance of religion in school curriculum are expressed throughout the novel between strong Catholic views on schooling and free, education only curriculum. The people caught in the middle of this disagreement are educators. They are faced with the issue of whether or not to teach controversial issues in the classroom. In the past educators were required to teach according to the Bible whereas now teachers have the opportunity to expand the education of their students. Past views on education vary greatly with the modern curriculum and today’s views on education. The trial of Bertram Cates can teach a valuable lesson of what one person believes may not match what another person thinks is right. This mentality is carried through to today’s education system and taken into consideration when forming the public school