Written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, the play Inherit the Wind is a fictitious spin off of the historical Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925, which debated the concept of evolutionism vs. creationism and, in general, a person’s right to think. Brady and Drummond, two lawyers appointed to Bertram Cates’ trial are both powerful characters, different yet they portray many similarities through their behaviour. Demonstrated through various personal flaws, strengths, and their own particular relationships with religion, both contrasting characters function as an important mechanism by which the play’s predominate theme of the importance of freedom of thought are emphasized. The ability to think, or exercise free thought is, philosophically, the foundation of our existence. You can not become all that God created you to be until you embrace your identity — the unmistakably unique and flawed you that God intentionally made for a purpose. The high and almighty Brady was even flawed, he showed a great deal of love towards the public. Before the time of radio and television, if he controlled the media, he controlled the masses. He became who the community wanted to hear, dependant of the flock of followers he had created behind him. Lavished with all their praise and glory Brady built up an ample amount of confidence in himself. The power he had gained made him feel secure and he was always seeking for more, this becomes evident when he runs for president in three consecutive elections but never succeeded. Brady’s immeasurable sense of pride finally led him to his downfall. The town of Hillsboro named Brady as an Honorary Colonel in the State Militia, “‘Colonel Brady.’ I like the sound of that!” (page 22) While Brady seems to be a very principled man, we learn public adoration and high titles keep him going. Conjointly, Brady is familiar with communicating with the reporters. “The Reverend at my left, the Mayor at my right. (Stiffly, they face the camera) We must look grave, gentlemen, but not too serious. Hopeful, I think is the word. we must look hopeful. (Brady assumes the familiar oratorical pose. The camera clicks.) (page 22)
Drummond is a man whose reputation precedes him. Agnostic. Vicious. Godless. Agent of darkness. Creature of the Devil. The Devil himself. These are all ways that the townspeople characterize Henry Drummond, Bert's defense lawyer, before they even meet him. Drummond’s flaw is the fact that he is not connected to the community and is known for being an antagonizer. Many say he manipulates the minds of the jury to incline them into agreeing with his own views, therefore winning the case. In this instance Brady says to Drummond, “ I’ve seen what you can do to a jury. Twist and tangle them. Nobody’s forgotten the Endicott Publishing case—where you made the jury believe the obscenity was in their own minds, not on the printed page. It was immoral what you did to that jury. Tricking them. Judgement by confusion.” (page 47) According to Drummond, what is on trial in Hillsboro is a man's right to think. In their law against the teaching of evolution, the people of Hillsboro have not only dismissed a scientific theory but have in effect stated that they don't want to even consider and dismiss it for themselves. In a greater context relating back to the major theme or the play, the freedom of thought, Brady and Drummond demonstrate that no matter what range of flaws you might have, you are always entitled to freedom of thought, to think your own ideas, and to have your own opinions. The message that Lawrence and Lee convey through Drummond and Brady’s flaws, is that when people think and have ideas, they are not standing still. Brady and Drummond share different views on religion and science and express their thoughts freely all throughout the trial. Strengths can be described in lots of different ways. Here, we are talking about strengths of character. Your character is what makes you the person you are. It is about how you relate to other people and the world around you. When you are using your true strengths, you feel full of energy. In this case Brady and Drummond both have a different set of strengths, Brady is more praised because he is community oriented he basks in the glow of his simple-minded supporters’ praise. He is considered Hillsboro’s hero, “ Mr.Matthew Harrison Brady, this municipality is proud to have within its city limits the warrior who has always fought for us ordinary people.” (page 21) Brady’s recognition falls in his favour because the support of the townspeople helps in the verdict of deeming Bert Cates guilty. Drummond’s strength lies in his powerful ability to persuade people in his favour, he is also humble, unlike Brady. During the trial we see the eloquent side of Drummond, “The individual human mind. In a child’s power to master the multiplication table there is more sanctity than in all your shouted “Amens!”, “Holy, Holies!” and “Hosannahs!” An idea is a greater monument than a cathedral. And the advance of man’s knowledge is more of a miracle than any sticks turned to snakes, or the parting of waters!” (page 93) Drummond strives to demonstrate to the court the power of the human mind. Human intellect has the power to advance humankind, while religion stifles human inquiries. This quotation not only defines one of Drummond’s most strongly held personal philosophies but also speaks to the main conflict of the play, the freedom of thought. The significance of the strengths of Brady and Drummond demonstrate that you should be able to openly express your thoughts no matter how they differ from others. As free people we are all entitled to choose our own views on religion and express them in a way that doesn't violate any laws. Inherit the wind ultimately is a play that debates science vs. religion. In the town of Hillsboro religion plays a big part in the townspeople daily lives, that is why Brady is very much praised and liked, he shares the same views and morals of religion as they do. Brady, like the townspeople is a fundamentalist and takes the context of the Bible literally. “ Everything in the Bible should be accepted, exactly as it is given there.” (page 87) Brady says while Drummond questions him under oath during the trial.Brady considers himself to be an expert of the Bible, faithfully believing in every word that is written, his religious beliefs are narrow and stagnant, preventing him from considering any of the scientific discoveries Drummond makes present to him. He cherishes the Holy Bible and only the Bible, and depreciates those who don’t. Opposite of Brady we have Drummond who I believe is still undecided about his beliefs on religion as he states, “ You have no more right to spit on his religion than you have a right to spit on my religion! Or my lack of it.” (page 125) Drummond is more the voice of reason and science, through his metaphor of his Golden Dancer he suggests that reason and science carry more weight than faith and religion, but not overwhelmingly. Drummond tells Brady of a rocking horse, the Golden Dancer, that he wanted so badly when he was a child, but that his parents could not afford. After going to great lengths to save money, his parents gave him the rocking horse for his birthday but it broke the first time he tried to ride it. Just as Drummond did not see past the glamorous facade of the rocking horse, neither do the people of Hillsboro see through religion. The different views on religion help to underlie the major theme of the play, freedom of thought, by validating that there will be views that differ from yours, even though someones morals or ideas might contrast your own, it doesn't mean that anyone is in the wrong. Consequently, In a society that honours freedom of thought, it is necessary to value beliefs that differ from one's own. Brady and Drummond are both influential characters in the play, Inherit the Wind, presented through different flaws, strengths, and their own views on religion, both characters that you might call ‘opposites’, help the readers to identify the plays underlying theme; the freedom of thought. Lawrence and Lee convey the message that people must stand up and continue to fight against laws that promote censorship and unthinking conformity. Through Brady’s over confidence, connection to the community, fundamentalist view on religion, and Drummond lack of community support, persuasive and humble qualities, and his impartial view on religion, it is clear that free thought is not only important from an intellectual standpoint, it is necessary and valuable in human life. Without it, as Drummond says, no progress would ever be made not only in technology but emotionally as well.