Writer 1
Oral Interp Writer
Miss Martin
MLA HEADING
Advanced Freshman English
10 February 2012
Oral Interp: Inherit the Wind
Teaser
Brady: (With Dignity and Proud Face) I am willing to sit here and endure Mr. Drummund’s
sneering. For he is pleading the case of the prosecution by his contempt for all that is holy…or is
it possible that something IS holy to the celebrated agnostic?
Drummond: Yes! The individual human mind, an idea that is a greater monument than a
cathedral, and the advancement of man’s knowledge a miracle. But are we now to halt progress
because Mr. Brady frightens us with a fable?
CONSIDER USING HIGHLIGHTS TO HELP YOU RECOGNIZE CHARACTERS
Introduction
The story of Inherit the Wind, by Jerome Lawrence, is based on a historical court case from the
1920’s. The case revolves around the teaching of evolution in public schools. Bertram Cates, a
teacher, is jailed for his decision to expose his students to the controversial theory. In this scene,
Col. Henry Drummond, Cate’s defense attorney, cross-examines his witness, Rev. Matthew
Brady, a Christian Minister and a presidential candidate. (You could also end with “Inherit the
Wind, by Jerome Lawrence.” If you did so you would not use it in the opening lines)
Body
Brady: (Pounding fist in hand) We must NOT abandon faith! Faith is the important thing!
Drummond: Then why did God plague us with the power to think? Mr. Brady, why do you
deny the ONE faculty that lifts man above all other creatures on earth: the power of his brain to
reason. What other merit have we? Other animals are larger, stronger, swifter, and more
beautiful, even the simple sponge is more durable! Or does a sponge think?
Brady: I don’t know. I am a man, not a sponge.
Drummond: (Amused, Rolling his eyes) Do you think it thinks?
A FEW Things to Notice
 Highlighted Names
 Double Spacing Between Characters
 SPACING IS UP TO YOU: Whatever helps you to memorize your script in the
easiest fashion possible.