Inherit the Wind
"Inherit the Wind" is a play inspired by the 1925 trial of John Scopes, a Tennessee teacher accused of violating laws against teaching evolution. While the characters and events are fictionalized, the work addresses themes of intellectual freedom and the conflict between science and religion. Set in the small town of Hillsboro, the narrative revolves around Bert Cates, who faces legal repercussions for his teachings. The prosecutor, Matthew Harrison Brady, represents a fundamentalist viewpoint, while Henry Drummond, the defense attorney, champions free thought and inquiry. The play explores the deep societal tensions surrounding belief systems, particularly through the perspectives of Bert and Rachel Brown, whose relationship is tested by these ideological divides. As the courtroom drama unfolds, it culminates in a broader commentary on the importance of freedom of speech and thought. A film adaptation released in 1960 further cemented its cultural significance, though it drew criticism from some religious groups for its portrayal of evolutionary theory. Overall, "Inherit the Wind" serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing debates over education, belief, and individual rights.
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Inherit the Wind
Identification Dramatic work protesting attacks on free speech
Date First produced in January, 1955
Place Dallas, Texas
Authors Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
This dramatic re-creation was written to warn U.S. audiences against the repressive influence of demagogues such as Senator Joseph McCarthy.
Key Figures
Jerome Lawrence (1915-2004), playwrightRobert E. Lee (1918-1994), playwright
Inherit the Wind was inspired by the 1925 trial of John Scopes, a Tennesseebiology teacher, for breaking a state law by teaching the theory of evolution. The prosecutor in the case was William Jennings Bryan, and the defense attorney was Clarence Darrow. However, as the playwrights point out, Inherit the Wind is not history, but theater; the setting, the characters, and the events are all fictional.
All of the action of Inherit the Wind takes place in or outside the courthouse in Hillsboro, a small country town. When the play begins, Bert Cates has been jailed for teaching the theory of evolution. Even Rachel Brown, who loves him, does not understand why he felt compelled to break the law. Her father, the Reverend Jeremiah Brown, believes that Cates is a tool of the devil; the prosecutor, Matthew Harrison Brady (who resembles Bryan), sees the case as a battle between good and evil. When E. K. Hornbeck, a cynical newspaperman, announces that the atheistic Henry Drummond (surrogate for Darrow) is coming to defend Cates, Brown refers to Drummond as “Satan.”
Act 2 starts with an emotional prayer meeting led by Brown. Brady ultimately suggests that the crowd disperse, quoting from Proverbs, “He that troubleth his own house . . . shall inherit the wind.” At the trial, Brady has no trouble proving that Cates did teach the theory of evolution, and Drummond is not allowed to call scientists to testify for the defense. In desperation, Drummond calls Brady as an expert on the Bible; before long, Drummond has everyone laughing at Brady. However, the jury finds Cates guilty, and he is freed on bond, pending an appeal. Rachel has made her decision; the two leave Hillsboro together. Meanwhile, Brady dies. To Hornbeck’s amazement, Drummond calls his antagonist a great man who, like Cates, had the right to search for God. The play ends with a reminder of the importance of freedom of speech and thought. A film version of the play appeared in 1960, starring Fredric March as Brady and Spencer Tracy as Drummond.
Impact
During its long run on Broadway, Inherit the Wind reminded thousands of playgoers that the freedoms of speech and thought are basic to American democracy. The 1960 film version of the play, which became a classic in film history, continued to be attacked on occasion by religious fundamentalists, who argued that its presentation of evolution makes it unsuitable for public schools and libraries.
Bibliography
Benen, Steve. “Inherit the Myth?” Church and State 53, no. 7 (2000): 15. Argues that the 1960 film version of Inherit the Wind so altered facts that it must be judged an “inadequate reflection of history.”
Larson, Edward J. Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing Debate over Science and Religion. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1998. Pulitzer Prize-winning book that presents a detailed account of the real-life trial and considers its influence.
Mosle, Sara. “Inherit the Zealots.” The New Yorker 72, no. 4 (1996): 38-39. Reports the reactions of a group of New York City high school students to the play Inherit the Wind and then to a performance the next day, with their mentor Tony Randall in the role of Henry Drummond.