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An Unbalanced Act

Lawrence and Lee creates a copy of ‘the most explosive trial of the century’, reflecting upon the infamous 1925 Scopes ‘monkey trail.’

BY MICHELLE NING

            For numerous years, the conflict concerning the origin of mankind has been put on trail. The most famous testimonial was the SCOPES vs. State Trail in 1925. John Scopes, a high school teacher, had been arrested for teaching the act of man’s evolution in class. In 1955, Jerome Lawrence and Robert Lee recreate the trail between the scientific explanation of evolution and the Christian’s theory of God’s creation. Although Inherit the Wind is literally about the conflicted matters, what lies beneath it, is a different story. Lawrence and Lee play a little game of hide-and-go-seek with the reader as they slip reccurring symbols into the play.

INHERIT THE WIND

By Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee

 129pp. Bantam Books. U.S. 5.99

            These symbols first appear in Act I when the reader is introduced to the fictional setting of Hillsboro (Dayton, Tennessee). One comes to know that Bertram Cates is the man accused. As the story begins to unfold, the reader begins to realize the majority’s view on the case. “Lemonade! Lemonade! (The workmen hoist the banner above the heads of the crowds [blaring] “READ YOUR BIBLE.” (Act I, Scene I) All eyes are upon Brady, – the defendant of God’s theory – as Drummond – lawyer for Cates – is defined as the devil. The storyline progresses along slowly as Act II Scene II begins, and the case is finally presented in court.

            After witnesses have been asked, tension builds as Drummond and Brady bicker over the crime. Many times the Judge rules for order. Though the town of Hillsboro looks upon Brady as a hero, their sights change, as Drummond continues to place socks into Brady’s mouth. “ Brady: I know because God tells me to oppose the evil teachings. Drummond: Oh. God speaks to you. Brady: Yes. Drummond: Ladies and Gentlemen, Harrison Brady through oratory or whatever pass along God’s order to the rest of the world! (Laughter begins).” Days pass, and the day in which the sentence will be delivered is here. The media, and broadcasting station are here, and they come to listen to the answer of the century.

            Before the Judge arrives, Drummond tells a story of the Golden Dancer to strengthen Rachel and Cates. Drummond traces back to when he was a little boy, when he wanted the toy pony, Golden Dancer. After getting it, - much to his parent’s expense- the pony breaks on its first ride. Through this story, Drummond teaches Cates a tale of confidence, looking past the beauty, and straight at its core. The moral of the Golden Dancer has relevance throughout the play. Cate’s teachings in the classroom revels the truth and realities that many do not believe. Drummond’s words, being familiar, also help Cates realize that the importance of the trail is not the debate of winning or losing. It is the people that Cates have given the courage to stand up for their own rights.

            The sentence is passed, and Cates is pronounced guilty. Through the solemn ending, Lawrence and Lee add humor to it, as they have slipped it throughout the play. Early in the play, a cynical character is created, E. K. Hornbeck – a cynical journalist. One may notice that Hornbeck could be described as the ‘glue’ of the play. Delivering jokes, and speaking in the most colorful phrases ever sculpted, Hornbeck is the result of the reader’s smile. However, the surprising element of Hornbeck is, not only does he delight the reader, he delights all persons in town as well.

            One could say the ending leaves the reader a bit confused. The reader leaves wondering, who really won the debate? “Drummond notices the bible, picks up the Bible and Rachel’s copy of Darwin…balancing them, as if his hands were scale. He half smiles, half shrugs… and slaps the two books together and jams them into his suitcase, side by side.” (Act III Scene II)