View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In Act One, who makes a secret visit to Hillsboro Jail?

2. Where is Inherit the Wind set?

3. Brady complains that Drummond is bringing too much of what during jury selection?

4. What does Rachel say Cates wants to do, following jury selection?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Brady says that Cates' "bigoted opinions" will not be forgotten by the community, even if they are removed from court record. What does this say about the power of ideas?

3. Why does Drummond ask Brady if the story of Jonah, found in the Bible, should be taken literally? What is Drummond suggesting when he asks this question?

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

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

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

7. 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?

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

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

10. The Mayor refuses to remove the title of Colonel from Brady; instead, he awards a similar title to Drummond when Drummond complains. What does this action demonstrate about the town's mentality?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Drummond is appointed "temporary Honorary Colonel" by the Mayor, Drummond is shocked to hear that his title will be permanent when the "right forms are signed". Drummond is troubled by this as he, like Brady, did not serve time in the military. Analyze why the Mayor's power to bestow this undeserved honor is significant to the story.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Brady and Drummond are the two main characters of the play, both fighting to win over the town and of course, their side of the case. Choose either Brady or Drummond and analyze the following.

Part 1) Describe this character based on what is said about him before he arrives in Hillsboro.

Part 2) Compare this image to who he is when he arrives.

Part 3) Analyze how and why he has changed by the time he departs.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 804 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample