44 pages • 1 hour read
Jerome Lawrence, Robert E. LeeInherit the Wind
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1955A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee is a play centered around the trial of Bertram Cates, a schoolteacher in a small American town, who is arrested for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution in defiance of a state law. As the town prepares for the arrival of renowned lawyer Matthew Brady to prosecute the case, Cates is defended by Henry Drummond. The trial spotlights the clash between religious fundamentalism and the right to intellectual freedom and critical thinking.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee is lauded for its compelling drama and thought-provoking dialogue, reflecting on the significant clash between science and religion. Critics appreciate its historical context and enduring relevance. However, some argue that character development is lacking and the play leans towards didacticism. Overall, it remains a powerful and engaging read.
Who Should Read Inherit the Wind?
Readers who appreciate courtroom dramas, historical fiction, and thought-provoking commentary on science and religion will enjoy Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. Fans of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Crucible by Arthur Miller will find similar appeals in the moral and societal debates presented.
RecommendedReading Age
14+yearsLexile Level
850LBook Details
Play: Drama
Historical Fiction
Education
Science / Nature
Religion / Spirituality
Education
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice
Values/Ideas: Good & Evil
Society: Politics & Government