Inherit the Wind

This play deals with the topic of teaching evolution versus religious theory in schools. Mr Cates, the main character, is taken to court for teaching his high school class about evolution. The court found that there is no way to explain to kids how the world was formed without God being involved in it as well. Cates's lawyer, Drummond, argued "Darwin moved us forward to a hilltop, where we could look back and see the way from which we came. But for this view, this insight, this knowledge, we must abandon our faith in the pleasent poetry of Genesis."(p.83) In addition to that statement, Rachel, one of Cates's students testified that Cates taught her, "God did not create man! Man created God."(70) This accusation left Cates's case down the gutter. Brady, a lawyer against Cates said, "in fact, he determined that the Lord began the creation on the 23rd of October in the year 4,004 B.C. at-uh, at 9 A.M.!(85) In the end the court found Cates guilty of violating public act volume 37,statute number 31428. His punishment was a fine of 500 dollars. Although Cates did not win the case he did however set a great example of fighting against the majority with what he believed was right. Religion has no place in the classroom. Drummond said, "You don't suppose this kind of thing is ever finished,do you? Tomorrow it'll be something else- and another fella will have to stand u. And you've helped give him the guts to do it."(110)
From this i learn that no mater what religion a teacher is, it is important to teach the facts to the students without religious bias. I'm happy today that we are taught evolution in school because it is necessary to learn from where we came. I was upset that Cates did not win the case but happy that he took the first step in trying to make a difference even though he did not have a chance.


Lawence,Jerome and Robert E. Lee. Inherit the Wind. New York, NY: A Bantam Book, 1955. Print.