Inherit the Wind
By Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
Webquest
Visit and explore each of the websites listed below. Answer each of these questions to obtain background information about Inherit the Wind. Jot your answers down in your own words; I do not expect complete sentences. You may work with a partner if you would like.
Charles Darwin and Evolution - The case in the play is based off of the findings of naturalist Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution.
The Scopes Trial - The trial in Inherit the Wind is very loosely based on the famous Scopes Trial.
III. William Jennings Bryan - The fictional character Matthew Harrison Brady is loosely based on this famous attorney.
Clarence Seward Darrow - The fictional character Henry Drummond is loosely based on this famous attorney.
American Civil Liberties Union
Part 1
4. What did the ACLU's newspaper ad say?
5. Why did the ACLU attack the anti-evolution law?
John T. Scopes - The fictional character Bertram T. Cates is loosely based on John Scopes.
By Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
Webquest
Visit and explore each of the websites listed below. Answer each of these questions to obtain background information about Inherit the Wind. Jot your answers down in your own words; I do not expect complete sentences. You may work with a partner if you would like.
Charles Darwin and Evolution - The case in the play is based off of the findings of naturalist Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution.
- When and where was Darwin born?
- What was the purpose of Darwin’s voyage on the HMS Beagle? What year did this take place?
- Describe Darwin’s “Natural Selection?”
- What is the title of Darwin’s famous book, published in 1859?
- What is “Creationism?”
The Scopes Trial - The trial in Inherit the Wind is very loosely based on the famous Scopes Trial.
- What is the nickname of this trial?
- In what year did the trial take place?
- What was the Butler Act?
- What did the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) do in order to challenge the Butler Act?
- Why did George Rappleyea want to bring a trial to Dayton?
- Who was John T. Scopes?
- As the trial began, what did the defense choose as their major argument?
- What verdict did the jury deliver?
III. William Jennings Bryan - The fictional character Matthew Harrison Brady is loosely based on this famous attorney.
- When was Bryan born?
- Why did Bryan oppose the theory of evolution?
- What illness did Bryan suffer from?
- When (specifically) did Bryan die?
Clarence Seward Darrow - The fictional character Henry Drummond is loosely based on this famous attorney.
- When was Darrow born?
- What kinds of people did Darrow tend to defend?
- What controversy nearly ruined Darrow's career?
- Why did Darrow decide to take the Scopes Trial?
- When did Darrow die?
American Civil Liberties Union
Part 1
- What is the mission of the ACLU?
- The ACLU works to extend the right of what kinds of groups?
- What year was it founded?
4. What did the ACLU's newspaper ad say?
5. Why did the ACLU attack the anti-evolution law?
John T. Scopes - The fictional character Bertram T. Cates is loosely based on John Scopes.
- What job did Scopes hold before the trial?
- What couldn't Scopes remember doing? How does this affect the trial?
- After the trial, what did Scopes do with his life?