Many assume that only two sides exist in every situation. Throughout Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s “Inherit the Wind”, there is a continuous debate about whether evolution or religion is correct. After a teacher educates his students about evolution members of Hillsboro try to get him charged for committing crime. From the courtroom debates to the banner in place above the building and by what the law requires of those who live in the town, this play revolves around the concept that there is a right and wrong in different situations.
Throughout the play, Matthew Harrison Brady and Henry Drummond debate about the teachings of evolution opposed to those of the Bible, each defending the one he believes in. Bertram Cates believes in the teachings of evolution, therefore Brady, a firm believer in the teachings of the Bible, exclaims “But your client is wrong!” and “He has lost his way!” (Lawrence and Lee 60). Brady clearly insists that the
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At the beginning of the play, two workmen hang up a banner above the courthouse that says, “Read your Bible,” (Lawrence and Lee 14). This banner aims at the townspeople and is used to persuade them to keep up on reading the Bible while also reminding them of the importance of religion before they step foot in the courtroom during the trial. This banner hangs strategically so the townspeople take the side of those fighting for religion. Later in the play, Drummond pleads to the judge to remove the banner or he demands that another one be put up that states “Read your Darwin” in letters just as bold (Lawrence and Lee 34). If there is a banner that promotes and supports religion, in order for it to be fair to both sides there should be one promoting evolution. Without a banner supporting evolution, there is an emphasis on religion and shows that the members of the town are trying to convince others to join their side that they believe is the right