Literature Anaylsis

When analyzing the play Inherit the Wind, it is essential to know about the background history. Back in the 1950s, the theory of evolution disregarding God was not heard off (other then the crazy philosophies of Charles Darwin and other scientists.) Mr.Cates, the main character playing the role of a teacher, was sent to court on offense of violating a public law. He taught his class that the world was created based on a serious of events that God had no part in making. His lawyer, Drummond tried to explain to the court Cates’s views by saying, "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) Now, Cates was a very smart man, he wanted to teach science the new way it was being discovered to be no matter if it was against laws or regulations. He was a character that was not afraid to take risks in a world that he knew would shut his thinking down. Inherit the wind connects to the topic of religion because it demonstrates how it is intertwined in peoples beliefs about science. Religion is involved in many parts of schooling. This simulated court case, as shown in the play, acts as a real example of what could have happened. It shows that if men like Cates did not risk their lives to teach their beliefs, our world could never change. In several instances in the play, Cates displays the humanity of an open, forgiving mind, as do the other evolutionists and progressives. Ironically, forgiveness comes more readily to Cates than to his stubborn Christian neighbors—foremost among them Reverend Brown, whose fire-and-brimstone sermons led Cates to abandon the church. Although he did not win the trial, he defiantly made a big impression on the community he was in as well as his student Rachel. It is using the two perspectives of how one man believes teaching evolution is necessary and another who is devoted to the word of God and his creations.
This adds to the definition of how religion is a form of expression to all but many still think that it is more personal and should be confined to the outside world, including educational establishments.

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.