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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What song does the town sing to greet Brady?

2. Drummond believes what type of people never experience confusion?

3. Why does Bannister want the front seat in the jury box?

4. Where does Sillers work?

5. According to Drummond, those who hold up the progression of society are what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is it ironic that Reverend Brown is in a bad mood the first time the audience meets him, yet he scolds others for not having community spirit?

2. Why does Drummond take both the Bible and the Origin of Species when he leaves town?

3. The prayer meeting becomes an act of entertainment. How does religion as entertainment affect the townspeople's commitment to it?

4. How does Brady change the word evolution to demonstrate his opinion on the topic?

5. How does Drummond try to win over the crowd at the beginning of the trial?

6. Why does Drummond call Brady to the stand to speak about the Bible?

7. What is Cates' punishment, assigned by the judge after the verdict is read?

8. What is Howard's reaction to the teachings he receives on evolution?

9. Why does Rachel stand on the sidelines instead of participating in the prayer meeting?

10. Why is the appearance of a monkey important in Act One?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the final moment of Inherit the Wind, when Drummond balances both the Bible and Darwin's Origin of Species in his hands, finally leaving with both.

Part 1) Why does Drummond weigh both books together?

Part 2) When Drummond leaves, why does he leave with both books?

Part 3) At the beginning of the play, do you feel he would have done the same? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the scene where Drummond gives Cates the option of backing out of the trial.

Part 1) Why does Cates choose to continue the trial?

Part 2) Is this the choice Drummond wants him to make? Why?

Part 3) Is this the choice Rachel wants him to make? Why?

Essay Topic 3

When Brady comes to town, he does so with fanfare and promises. Analyze the following promises he made to people and whether or not he delivered.

Part 1) What does Brady promise Davenport? What does he promise the people of Hillsboro?

Part 2) Is it important for Brady to hold up his word? Why or why not? Cite examples from the text.

Part 3) When Brady does not hold up his word or fails at his promised outcome, how does this affect him? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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