Inherit the Wind
Group Discussion Questions and Essay Assignment:
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At the end of the play, why does Hornbeck say that Drummond is more religious than Brady?
Which Characters in this play represent fundamentalism? Which individualism?
Why do Lawrence and Lee imply in their note preceding the play that the themes of this play are
timeless and universal? What relevance do they have today?
Tell me about Brady’s relationship to his wife. How do they treat each other? What does this tell
us about Brady?
The authors talk, in the stage directions, about how the town is on trial as well as Cates. What is
the town on trial for? How is this different than what Cates is on trial for?
Look throughout the play at Hornbeck’s lines. How does he speak? Why do you think he speaks
this way?
What does Drummond’s “Golden Dancer” symbolize? (see pg 97)
Why does the judge only give Cates a $100 fine?
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Five Paragraph Essay due ___________________________________________
- Choose one of these discussion questions
- Write a five paragraph essay using your five steps
- Show me that you have read Inherit the Wind and understand the concepts
of the play and it’s allegorical content in your essay
Suggested outline of 5 paragraph Essay
I.
Introduction
1. Capture Audience’s Attention
2. Introduce Author and Title
3. Restate question as 3-fold Thesis:
____________________ because _____________,___________, _________.
Belief statement
1 st reason
2nd reason
3rd reason
II.
Body – Step 4 (answering the question) – remember, answer and explain!
1. Paragraph going over 1st reason
2. Paragraph about 2nd reason
3. Paragraph about 3rd reason
a. To remember about essays
b. Don’t use 1st or second person,
c. Work on sentence fluency and coherence of your thoughts
d. Show that you read and understand the play!
Conclusion – What conclusion do you come to?
1. Restate your thesis as something that you have proved in paper
2. Think about tying it back to your hook statement!
3.
* Take a look at the poster on the wall below the TV to see how your final draft should look!
III.
Rubric
Intro – Step 1 & 2
_____/10 pts
Step 3 (thesis)
_____/10 pts
Body – Coherence and fluency
_____/10 pts
Details from play
_____/5 pts
Paragraphs answer Thesis
_____/10 pts
Conclusion – ties together, makes conclusion for paper
_____/10 pts
st
Doesn’t use 1 or second person
_____/5 pts
Total
_______/60pts