An Analysis Of Inherit The Wind

My overall opinion of Inherit the Wind is that the play has excellent value theatrically representing a historical event. One of the reasons the play is valuable is that readers will understand a 1925 court case as if they were in the audience and learn a lesson about ignorance. Lawrence and Lee incorporate what life would have been during the real trial such as a rural environment, ignorance, unstable economy, and social pressures to be religious. The stage directions effectively describe the atmosphere and illustrate a more universal setting. An example of this, is Lawrence and Lee’s concept that the events transpiring in the play occurred not too long ago. I believe the arrangement of a common setting was excellent to further prove ignorance …show more content…
The introduction notes a “sleepy, obscure country town about to be vigorously awakened”(18). The ultimate awakening moment happened when Brady took the stand and proved his hypocrisy to everyone. Cates lost the trial but changed the attitudes of Hillsboro residents making him the real winner. The townspeople realized that they can think independently and read the sources of information that they choose. Brady won the case but ends up with no political power, publicity, or support. Brady had used the court of law for personal gain of power not to seek justice.
Lawrence and Lee exaggerate foolishness of the town characters to help make their argument. The community was oblivious they could not think freely until a turning point in the trial. Though the intelligence of the community was compromised this sacrifice was necessary to prove the thesis. Lawrence and Lee wrote the play in 1955 while McCarthyism was actually occurring in the country. False information was being spread that led to people’s treason accusations, incarceration , and job losses. Lawrence and Lee undoubtedly had been influenced by the governments actions during the