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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 meeting is held at the court on the night of the jury selection?

2. While in jail, what is Cates surprised by?

3. Brady is called Colonel in spite of what?

4. Who is providing Cates with a lawyer?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the crowd react when Cates is found guilty? Is this a different outcome than expected?

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

3. 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?

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

5. Why does Rachel stand on the sidelines instead of participating in the prayer meeting?

6. Drummond says that society measures everything by an "arbitrary grid of morality". What does this mean?

7. 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?

8. Is Brady respected by the townspeople? Why?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

There are moments in Inherit the Wind where Drummond is referred to as the devil.

Part 1) How is the devil defined in this context?

Part 2) Who considers Drummond to be the devil?

Part 3) Do you agree with this nickname? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 750 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample