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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 type of jury does Drummond say that Brady wants?

2. Cates describes the conditions in jail as what?

3. Who does Rachel tell Drummond she is scared of?

4. What type of meeting is held at the court on the night of the jury selection?

5. The townspeople hope Brady's presence will provide what?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Rachel's father turns on her, who defends her? Does this make this character more likable?

2. When Reverend Brown asks God to curse his daughter for her defense of Cates, what does this say about his character?

3. Why do the workers choose to leave the "Read Your Bible" sign up on the courthouse? What does this signify?

4. What is the purpose behind Brady asking if Drummond's suspenders are fashionable in Chicago?

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

6. Why is it significant that Meeker pushes aside the woman who is praying for Brady when he collapses?

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

8. What is Drummond's philosophy about laughter? Why?

9. 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?

10. Why does Drummond object to the judge's announcement regarding the prayer meeting?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Cates is on trial for breaking a law; teaching Darwinism in his classroom. In court, Drummond makes Cates' case about something different altogether.

Part 1) What does Drummond make Cates' case about?

Part 2) How does this angle change the outcome of the case?

Part 3) If Drummond had not changed the angle, do you believe Cates would have gone to jail? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Relationships are an important part of Inherit the Wind, as they show us how other characters treat one another. Choose one of the following relationships and explain what you have learned about the participants, based on their relationships with one another.

- Mr. and Mrs. Brady.

- Rachel and Reverend Brown.

- Rachel and Cates.

(see the answer keys)

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