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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. Hornbeck asks Elijah if he is a what?

2. Howard tells Melinda that her father originated as what?

3. Prior to accepting the jury, who does the judge rule as out of order?

4. Who encourages the town to greet Brady's arrival?

5. Who approaches Drummond immediately following the jury selection?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

3. What is significant about the opening interaction between Howard and Melinda?

4. Why does Brady suggest Howard may become Godless if Cates is not found guilty?

5. Cates reveals to Rachel that he taught Darwinism in his classroom because he "thought he was right". What does this tell the reader about Cates' character?

6. When Bannister states that he wants the front seat in the jury box because "its going to be quite a show", what does this say about his opinion of the trial?

7. Is Brady respected by the townspeople? Why?

8. Although Cates lost, it is said that he won. Why?

9. Hornbeck says progress has made ordinary people obsolete. What is meant by this statement?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Popular opinion shapes how Brady feels about himself throughout Inherit the Wind. Choose one of the following moments from the play and analyze how it helped or hurt Brady's self-confidence and why.

1) The way Brady was greeted when he arrived in town.

2) The time Brady served on the witness stand.

3) The speech Brady made on the radio, following the verdict.

Essay Topic 2

There are moments in Inherit the Wind where Drummond is referred to as the devil.

Part 1) How is the devil defined in this context?

Part 2) Who considers Drummond to be the devil?

Part 3) Do you agree with this nickname? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Hillsboro was a small town prior to the trial that took place. Write a brief essay on how Hillsboro has changed as a result of the trial.

Part 1) What is the town of Hillsboro like before the trial?

Part 2) How will the outcome of the trial affect the citizens and their way of thought?

Part 3) Do you foresee Hillsboro becoming famous as a result of the trial? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 684 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample