In both cases, however not only are the ideas of science and religion on trial but also the appreciation of the right to think. By examining the real life Scopes Trial as well as the trial presented in the film Inherit the Wind, the controversy between religion and science, the debate between two opposing sides is evident. Inherit the Wind depicts the real life events of the Scopes Trial in creative way, which underlines and reflects the main conflict of teaching evolution in schools, the way bystanders react and the final decision, which impacts the people at the time until the present. Although there are many historical inaccuracies amongst the Scopes Trial and the film Inherit the Wind, the plot, main themes, characters and their individualizing beliefs depict a greater meaning of the trial questioning the presence of a conflict …show more content…
They immediately arrest him and take him to jail.1• Throughout the development of the film, Cates is kept in jail the entire time emphasizing the severity of his act. It also shows his isolation in the matter where he is forced to separate from the rest of his society because of his views and beliefs. After Cates is arrested, a scene with numerous men of high authority gather to reflect on the laws put in place and how this negatively affects the town’s reputation. On one side of the spectrum stands Reverend Jeremiah Brown, whose fundamentalist thinking plays an impactful role in the way the town operates. Then, further along on the spectrum, are the individuals who evidently see truths in the Bible, but at the same time understand there is a need to step away from literal interpretations. The producers created an impactful scene that includes much irony. A bank owner of Hillsboro argues the act passed and the arrest of Cates will negatively influence his company in regards to expanding and establishing connections to larger cities within the country. Also, this notion of practical reality allows him to see this way of thinking as a downfall towards his children’s education since they will be ineligible to apply to universities such as Yale because of this law.1