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

2. Drummond is awarded what title by the Mayor?

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

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

5. What does Drummond ask Dunlap prior to rejecting him for the jury?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What are Drummond's views on language and communication? When does he express these?

4. Brady is portrayed as a somewhat gluttonous character throughout the play. As gluttony appears in the Bible as a sin, this demonstrates that Brady is willing to judge others on their sins but is unwilling to chastise himself. Why?

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

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

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

8. 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?

9. Why is Rachel willing to testify against Cates?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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?

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)

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