Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byClemence Copeland Modified over 9 years ago
2
A Background
3
Science vs. Theology – CCC # 159 - Since both are Truth, they have to agree "Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth."
4
Authors: Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee working together as founders of Armed Forces Radio during WWII, wrote Inherit the Wind as a response to increasingly censorious climate of McCarthyism, (Arthur Miller and Crucible) McCarthyism - Senator Joseph McCarthy held hearings to root out Communism in America - chose event in recent history to explore clash between fundamentalists and free thinkers.
5
ITW as an allegory The allegory explores the condemnation of leftists and individualists (seen in the play as heretics) in America as Communists
6
The Play... Has been performed almost every night somewhere in the world, 50 yr. after play, 70 yr. after trial Not history, issues have "acquired new dimension and meaning since 30 yr. ago" setting "It might have been yesterday. It could be tomorrow." Fictional names to characters
7
What are the authors commenting on? 1) Danger of a limited perspective and being unwilling to see different perspectives 2) Intellectualism vs. Fundamentalism Intellectualism - finding human mind sacred and arguing that the freedom of thought is a basic right Fundamentalism - taking the Bible literally, exactly as it is there 3) Free thought - for Drummond, free thought is on trial - Can you accept what someone tells you without thinking about it? Drummond's Intention: - not to tear down legitimate belief but only to fight ignorance and bigotry
8
So, the truth... Scopes Trial, aka the "Monkey Trial" 1925, Dayton, TN John Scopes put on trial for teaching evolution in its schools 1 st time trial nationally broadcast by radio
9
The Butler Act: Anti- Evolution Law - Restricts teaching of evolution ACLU advertised for challenge of law. - Rappalyea gets a hold of them *(the story)* –Wrote the ACLU asking for funding in case in Dayton testing the Anti - Evolution law. - Asks friend, John Scopes, if willing to be arrested for violating the new law
10
The Line-up John Scopes - Bertram Cates - Reality: math/science teacher and coach, subbed for biology class. Lived in boarding house ITW - mid to late 20's, broke law, thought it unjust to withhold new ideas from people simply because they may be in conflict with religion Attended dinner in honor of Bryan's arrival
11
Clarence Darrow - Henry Drummond defense attorney Reality, Darrow, less cynical and biting, condemned anti- intellectualism, portions of Darrow, Portions of Drummond's defense are lifted directly from trial transcript ITW- agnostic, good lawyer, passionate about law, views it as a search for the truth. Idealist at heart, realist view of law. Goal - defend rights of an individual to think and reason for him/herself
12
William Jennings Bryan –Matthew Harrison Brady prosecution lawyer ITW - Fundamentalist, orator, politician, self proclaimed expert on the Bible. Lost two bids for President, senator from Nebraska, condemn "evil- ution" Reality - familiar with Darwin, may have understood evolution, exuberant, funny, discerning and focused, 3 Democratic bids for president
13
H. L. Mencken (Baltimore Evening Sun) E. K. Hornbeck (Baltimore Herald) ITW - columnist, not reporter, opinionated, wise cracking, pokes fun at simple life of Hillsboro. Reality - wrote part of Scope's defense http://www.firstthings.com/ftissues/ft9702/ia nnone.htm
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.