Inherit the Wind

1. How does Howard and Melinda's interaction at the beginning of the play foreshadow the major issues of the play? ------

2. What does Meeker, the bailiff's, willingness to let Cates out of jail to meet with Rachel tell us both about his offence and the town?
It tells that the offence is not serious and not a physical threat to the people.

3. What kind of town does Hillsboro seem to be in its preparation for Brady's arrival?
The town is really religious and shows it by singing.

4. What does Brady's relationship with his wife tell us about his character?
His relationship shows dependance and insecurity.

5. What does Brady's conversation with Rachel, and subsequent behaviour tell us about his character?
It tells us that he can be matipulative and cunning, and perharps even hypocritical.

6. How is Drummond characterized by the townspeople? Later when we meet him do they seem to be correct?
Drummond is described as evil because he defends criminals and murderers; however, the townspeople realize he is actually very decent.

7. What role does Hornbeck play in the action of the play? What is the significance of the way he speaks?

8. Do the elements of the trial seem fair to you? Why or why not?

9. What do you think Rachel’s motivations for asking Cates to drop the trial and admit

his guilt stem from?

10. What does Brady’s intervention in Reverend Brown’s sermon say about him? Does

this contradict what you thought about him as a character?

11. What is the central issue that Drummond is arguing for in the courtroom?

12. Do you think it is fair that none of Drummond’s expert witnesses are allowed to act as

witnesses?

13. What is it that Brady reveals about his religious beliefs while he is being questioned

in court by Drummond?

14. How does Drummond win over the support of the audience in the courtroom in his

examination of Brady?

15. What is it that Drummond says about progress? How is this significant to the play’s

main message?

16. How does Brady react to the courtroom’s support of Drummond instead of him?

17. What is the significance of Drummond’s story about Golden Dancer?

18. What is the difference in the way the two lawyers, Brady and Drummond respond to

the radio?

19. Why is Cates sentenced the way he is?

20. What is Cates’ statement after the verdict?

21. What happens to Brady after the trial? Was this a surprise?

22. What does Rachel decide at the end of the play? How does this tie into Drummond’s

message as well as the main theme of the play?

23. What does Drummond say Brady had the right to do or have?

24. What is the significance of the two books Drummond holds at the end of the play?

25. What do you think the main message of the play is?