Analysis Of Inherit The Wind By Jerome Lawrence And Robert Edwin Lee

As Idowu Koyenikan had once said, “Never underestimate the power of thought; it is the greatest path to discovery.” The ability of an individual to think, to formulate ideas; and one’s competence to perceive them differently or reform them, is the essence of human nature. “Inherit the Wind”, a play written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee is based on the Scopes Trial of 1925 and explores this value of thought. It demonstrates the significance of expressing one’s uncensored opinions and its contribution to the development of humanity over time. Thus, in a society of diversity and variation in ideals and ideas, people should be able to coexist as a community and express their opinions freely without persecution. The first amendment guarantees this unrestrictable right of individuals to convey their viewpoints and beliefs, and Drummond’s candid perspective of both the Bible and Darwin’s theory justifies that principle.

During the trial, Drummond applies this concept of thought expression to disclose injustice; he indicates, “A thinking man! And he is threatened with fine and imprisonment because he chooses to speak about what he thinks” (Lawrence and Lee 72). Drummond explores the fact that all humans possess a mind, and have the moral right to use and communicate it. He explains speaking as a way of communicating one’s thoughts; consequently, justifying Cates’ decision of teaching evolution. He identifies The Butler Act as a restriction to knowledge and therefore a limit to thoughts. Furthermore, as the debate between the contrasting sides develop, Drummond is questioned on what he finds “holy”. He responds, “The individual human mind. In a child’s power to master the multiplication table there is more sanctity than in all your shouted “Amens!”, “Holy,