Summary Of The Ambience Of Hillsboro

The story takes place in Hillsboro, Tennessee during the summer. Bertram Cates, a soft spoken yet rebellious sophomore science teacher, has been accused of disobeying the Butler Law, by teaching the theory of evolution to his class out of a biology textbook. Rachel Brown the daughter of Reverend Jeremiah Brown shares a close relationship with Cates which has now reached a romantic degree, she begs him to plead guilty and place himself at the mercy of the court. Cates, however, is the type of guy that parents worn their children about, a rebel. Rachel visits him in jail, which further confirms her belief that Cates is no dangerous criminal. If someone who intellectually threatens a widespread belief system is dangerous then Cates is nearly a terrorist. …show more content…
People are waving banners, selling drinks, food, and Bibles. A picnic is prepared for Brady and his wife Sarah. This is where Brady learns that Reverend Brown’s daughter Rachel is an acquaintance of Cates. He then manipulates her into revealing classified and compromising information about Cates. Later that day, E.K. Hornbeck, a wisecracking journalist for the Baltimore Herald, colorfully states to the townspeople that Henry Drummond famous defense attorney will be advocating for Cates. The announcement sends a shockwave through the town of mild and temporary anxiety. Reverend Brown juxtaposes Drummond to the devil. Later that evening, Drummond arrives in Hillsboro. Before the trial Reverend Jeremiah Brown, creates acrimony against the teachings of evolution amongst the townspeople through religious prayer, sermon and hymn. His goal was to influence the community prior to the trial that the teaching evolution is sinful and incorrect in every aspect. Rachel is unaware of her beliefs and cannot commit to any conclusions, she cannot stand the idea of going against her father, but at the same time she honors