Summary Of The Scopes Monkey Trial

The focus of creationism versus evolution in the Scopes Monkey Trial shifts in its fictional representation written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. Inherit the Wind uses the Scopes Trial as a backdrop to project society into a town called Hillsboro. The singular perspective of this small town hinders its people’s freedom of thought and the town’s progress as a part of society.
The people of Hillsboro base their actions on the idea that “faith is the most important thing” (Lawrence and Lee 60). Bertram Cates to expand the minds of his students by teaching against “the Living Truth of Scriptures”; this gives Cates the label of “an arrogant youth” by the hero of the town’s people Matthew Brady (Lawrence and Lee 19). Brady’s objection to Henry Drummond using “noted scientists” for Cates defense shows the town’s bias towards a case made against their beliefs (Lawrence and Lee 54). The pressure to base all ideas on the Bible slows progress throughout the town.
Drummond asserts that to progress “we must abandon our faith in… Genesis” this sacrifice will allow for insight through the teachings of Charles Darwin (Lawrence and Lee 60).
E.K. Hornbeck describes Brady as “Water boy for the great unwashed. But they've got inside-plumbing in their heads these days” (Lawrence and Lee 26). The archaic teachings of Brady failed to suit a progressing society making Brady flock to Hillsboro. Drummond understands a radio broadcast will “break down a lot of walls” while Brady questions how the “machine” works (Lawrence and Lee 69). Drummond, an open minded man, understands change in a way that Brady, a shortsighted man,
cannot.
Drummond points out ”the power of his brain to reason” as the factor which makes sets humans aside from other creatures (Lawrence and Lee 60). Cates utilizes this idea and loses the respect of his love Rachel Brown. Rachel’s internal conflict forms when she fears for “what the people in this town think of [Cates]” over her own feeling for him (Lawrence and Lee 36). Rachel’s “black and white” view changes after following her father's words harms the one she loves. Rachel realization that “a thought… has to be born. If it dies inside you, part of you dies, too” empowers her to live her own life free from outer influences (Lawrence and Lee 12, 77).
The Scopes Monkey Trial prompted a choice between creationism and evolution which remains in its fictional portrayal. Inherit the Wind brings to the foreground a new meaning to this choice. The societal progression of Hillsboro rests on a decision to sacrifice its strong held beliefs to make room for freedom of thought.