Inherit The Wind

            
            
             Inherit the Wind, published by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, is a dramatized account of an actualized trial called the Scopes "Monkey Trial". The play takes place during the hot July summer, in a small town named Hillsboro. In the first act, the major characters are introduced. Bertram Cates, a schoolteacher in Hillsboro, has taught his kids about Charles Darwin's Origins of the Species even though it's against the law to teach evolution in the state. Being the Fundamentalist town that it is, the people of Hillsboro have decided to prosecute Cates who believes that evolution is the truth. Matthew Harrison Brady, a politician and lawyer, comes into town to prosecute for the state against Cates. He is well respected and even honored with a parade and picnic when he arrives in Hillsboro. E.K. Hornbeck, a reporter for the Baltimore Herald comes into town to cover the Cates trial. He feels that the people are backwards and even make fun of the town calling it " Heavenly Hillsboro. The buckle on the Bible belt"(13). Henry Drummond, the defense attorney for Cates and also a former friend of Brady, comes into town unwanted and unwelcomed. He is described as "A vicious, godless man!"(24). And is personified as the Devil himself.
             All the people of Hillsboro give their support to Brady and ignore Drummond. Cates seems to be abandoned by those that knew him and is treated badly. He remains in a cell while he awaits his trial. Throughout the trial, Brady constantly objects Drummond when he calls for his witnesses and sustained by the judge. Brady holds a standing ground until Drummond calls him to the stand and makes a fool out of him. At the end, Cates is found guilty and is only fined $100. The defense team loses the case but gains a respect from the people. Brady dies later on that day and Hornbeck says that he "died of a busted belly"(112). However, Drummond, his opponent shows respect for him and honors his greatness.