Inherit the Wind: Act I, Scene I-

Matt Lack
May 15th, 2009

After just reading Act I, Scene I in Inherit the wind, there were a few things that I noticed were emphasized, some done so cleverly, others done so with blatant intent to expose the humor of the situation. For example, the Organ-Grinder and his monkey was almost a direct example, take straight out of the funnies made in response to the court. When the monkey was referred to as a grandfather, it was an obvious attempt to strike irony and sarcasm into the situation. Others were not so obvious, but funny nonetheless. One I noticed in the italics of the script, (and whether this was done intentionally or not, who0 knows?) was the description of Mr. Brady eating the turkey leg. Once he finishes it, it describes the bone as a fossil. A small detail, indeed, but it made ma laugh anyhow. Another bit of irony, less obvious than the monkey, but easier to spot than the bone mentioned in italics, was the fact that Mr. Brady is a glutton. There is profound irony in this, as Mr. Brady claims to be a defender of the bible, and all things right, yet one of his major flaws just happens to be one of the seven deadly sins.
As for a comparison between the play and the actual court, there are few differences that are substantial. As for the subtle differences, I could go on for hours. Instead of listing them all, I'll point out the largest of the smallest, so to speak.
The fact that Rachel is a part of Cate's history is something that wasn't even mentioned during the real life trial, much less even a reality. (Or so it would seem, from the knowledge I have of Scopes.) I can see why this is done though; It adds drama to the story, and gives Cates a deeper personality than just a teacher who is guilty of a crime. The fact that Rachel is bound to Cates enhances the drama, and adds some irony at the same time. She is caught between religion and science, and wants to defend Cates, but is bound otherwise by her father.
That is the only major difference I noticed in Act I, Scene I. There were others, but they were less relevant and obvious were done to enhance the drama and interest of the play.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the play, and hope it keeps my interest, as Scene I definitely caught it.