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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. How does Rachel describe Brady to Cates?

2. According to Cates, the townspeople are treating him worse than who?

3. What type of jury does Drummond say that Brady wants?

4. Bannister claims that Drummond represents who in the past?

5. What color are the suspenders Drummond wears to court in Act 1, Scene 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the presence of the radio man signify?

2. At the end of Act One, Drummond is left alone on the stage. What does this moment signify?

3. What does Rachel's conflicted loyalty between her father and Cates symbolize?

4. Hornbeck refers to the prayer meeting as a show. What moments so far in the play have also created a show-like atmosphere, and why?

5. Although Hornbeck is on Drummond's side of the case, Drummond does not support him. Why?

6. What is evolution? What is the story of creation in the Bible?

7. Why does Cates leave the church that Rachel's father preaches at? Does she hold this against Cates?

8. Drummond says that society measures everything by an "arbitrary grid of morality". What does this mean?

9. Why does Drummond protest the "Read Your Bible" sign?

10. When Rachel visits Cates in jail, what does she urge him to do, and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Based on evidence from the play, explain the economic state of Hillsboro. Argue for or against the idea that religion is a significant form of commerce for Hillsboro. Cite specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Drummond states that his experience with the law is like being on a merry-go-round. Why is this? What are some moments from Inherit the Wind that back up his theory?

Essay Topic 3

The small talk between the characters in Inherit the Wind is simple and mindless.

Part 1) What topics are discussed? Why?

Part 2) What topics are not discussed? Why?

Part 3) Why do you think the townspeople stick to safe topics? What might happen if real conversations started taking place?

(see the answer keys)

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