"Inherit the Wind" Play Essay

This s a play that was first published in 1955 during the scope trials. During the McCarthy, writers and actors could not work as they were thought to be associated with communism. The play argues the case against and for a science teacher, Cates, who was accused of a crime of teaching scientific theories such as evolution by Darwin. This paper discusses the literary works and themes related to the play, "Inherit the Wind" including freedom of thought, truth, and conflict.

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The play is analyzed by two lawyers Lee and Lawrence who detected the fear which is created when laws are passed and they later limit freedom of speech and expression. This was experienced during the McCarthy era as people could not express their thought, ideas, and beliefs as they were afraid of losing their livelihood (Robert Lee, & Jerome Lawrence 2001). During the composition of "Inherit the Wind", the wrights did not put into consideration the controversy between creation and evolution rather they focused on the Scopes trial. They moreover focused on limiting and censoring a person's freedom of thought. Evolution was used as a metaphor by the authors with the aim of controlling a person's beliefs and thoughts. The film, therefore, responds to the McCarty era.

The primary theme of this play is freedom of thought where Cates who is the main actress is arrested as she violated the law of Butler that forbids the teaching of the evolution theory by Darwin in Tennessee in public schools. The law limits the type of information that should be exposed to students who attend the public schools. The two lawyers within the play fight so hard against the limitation of information in schools. They argue that censoring of information to children also limit their capabilities of thinking. However, Drummond, one of the players, is resistant to the freedom of thinking for everyone. He suggests that his thought and argument is aimed at trying to stop limitation of education in the United States (Lawrence, & Lee, 2000).

Tolerance of conflicts in beliefs is also another major theme in the play. Lee and Lawrence find it as an important issue as it is a potential contradiction and dilemma which is posed by science in the works of films and literature. During the end of the play, Hornbeck denounces Brady due to their religious conflict. He, however, has no right to criticize Brady's religion as he had the right to be wrong which also a similar case to Cates. This presents a platform in the current environment to respect and value the beliefs of each other irrespective of our differences. Irrespective of Drummond's conflict reference to fundamentalist and evolutionist in the play, disrespect, and intolerance is evident in McCarthy's era. During the era, the right to be wrong was a privilege and a plea.

Conclusion

Finally is the theme of truth portrayed by the two lawyers, Lawrence and Lee. During the court session in the play, Drummond tries to defend Cates as he seeks the truth and justice. He suggests to the court that right and wrong do not have a meaning but truth, however, has a meaning. The lawyers agree with Drummond's idea as both fundamentalism and evolutionism are neither right nor wrong. As the play ends, Drummond walks out of the courtroom with a book of Darwin's concerning the 'Origin of Species' as well as a bible in his briefcase a symbol of freedom through an expression. The two items also reflect on his strong and passionate belief on the power of truth as opposed to the 'right' and 'wrong'.

References

Robert Lee, & Jerome Lawrence (2001). "Themes In Inherit The Wind". Cliffsnotes.Com. https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/i/inherit-the-wind/critical-essays/themes-in-inherit-the-wind

Lawrence, J., & Lee, R. E. (2000). Inherit the wind. Dramatists Play Service Inc.

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