Topic > Depiction of Social Conflict in the Play Inherit The Wind

An explosive trial leads the moderately quiet town of Hillsboro to question their faith in Brady and think factually. Faith is pitted against evolution, and Brady vehemently believes that religion is the only valid sect in the case. In the play Inherit the Wind written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, Brady and the town of Hillsboro continually shape the incendiary tone that provides the author's intent to demonstrate how conflicted society has become. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Brady is a devout Christian and politician who passionately challenges the city's citizens to believe, and to believe only what, in his eyes, is right. During a meeting with the mayor of Hillsboro, Brady expresses his thoughts on the case with new friend and lawyer, Davenport, explaining what a "challenge" it is for him to "test the steel of our truth" against what he refers to . as “the blasphemies of science”. Brady intentionally uses this metaphor to appeal to his fundamentalist allies. Furthermore, the moment in which he rejects the other party in the process reveals his need to provoke an argument to make himself look good. Greeted by huge applause from the audience, Brady soaks up the praise and makes a statement to his longtime supporters: "I came because what happened in a classroom in your city sparked an evil attack by the big cities of the world". North!... I am here to defend what is most precious in the hearts of all of us: the Living Truth of the Scriptures!”. He is pushing his campaign against Bert Cates, the school teacher who taught evolution, using him as a pawn to cause fear and provoke anger within the town. This highlights the fact that he is turning the city against Cates to hinder any internal conflict the citizens have. A larger problem occurs when Brady influences the city for the good of his cause. Hillsboro began as a religious and faithful town devoted to God, but changes arise when the town's faith is tested. When Brady arrives, the crowd gathers to sing songs and greet him with cheers. They break out in chants and shout his name to express their support for him coming to town to help the case against Cates. Hillsboro already agrees with Brady before the trial even begins. This shows how strong the one-sided opinions of citizens are. But as the story progresses and Cate's famous lawyer, Drummond, uncovers Brady's true facade, people angrily boo Brady and few applaud when he wins the case. The city leaves Brady with little to no support at the end of the trial. People are furious when Brady wins because now they think he's a fraud. Their reactions demonstrate how quickly a testimony causes them to go from one side to the other. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The authors intended to show how fluctuating public opinion is and what it becomes after long periods of anger. Each character, in their own way, presents a great deal of anger and hostility towards someone or something. Neither completely eliminates their irritation, but uses it as a voice for faith or evolution. Although the conflict lies in Hillsboro as he goes from being disgusted by science over faith to rather accepting the opposite side he originally opposed. It takes an entire case and then some for a city of people and Brady himself to solve this problem. They are blinded by their faith.