Inherit the Wind - Prompt 9: The Ability to Think

   Whereas Brady stated, “...I believe in the truth of the Book of Genesis” (Act 2, Scene 2, page 101) and explicitly articulated that this is how he led his life, Drummond at no point, stated his own personal beliefs referencing the Bible over Darwinism or Darwinism over the Bible.  Brady believed word for word in the Bible – that God created man and blew life and wind into him.  He could not accept nor freely think of anything else.  His mind was closed.  Drummond, although he was accused of being an atheist, never stated Atheism to be his own belief system.  He put the Bible and Darwin’s book together at the end of the play, symbolizing his ability to question and think freely; but he never expressed his own views.  Drummond was able to quote scripture and understand Darwinism, thus showing his allowance for both and ability to draw his own conclusions.  With Drummond’s support, Brady ultimately concludes that his previous beliefs had the right to be questioned.  It was that, that mentally and then physically destroyed Brady to the point where he died.  Brady could not handle the ultimate truth of life – the ability to question. 

    However, Cates and Rachel were able to question and think freely.  Cates acknowledged and appreciated the Bible because of his roots, but he also needed to present the scientific point of view, regardless of the repercussions he might face.  He stood up for what he believed to be right – the ability to question and think freely.  Rachel eventually realized this.  In Act 3, pages 124 through 125 she realized, “[She] was always afraid of what [she] might think – so it seemed safer not to think at all...A thought is like a child inside our body.  It has to be born.  If it dies inside you, part of you dies, too! (Pointing to the book)  Maybe what MR. Darwin wrote is bad.  I don’t know...” Rachel continued to question. 

   The rest of the town was unable to do so – they were easily swayed.  Neither the judge nor Hornbeck declared his own beliefs.  They reported – either the reports of the jury, or the events in the town.   Overall, Inherit the Wind shows that the ability to question and think freely along with the ability to exercise free will are the overarching tenets by which one’s life should be led. 

          - J. A. Kind