Clash of Beliefs: Dramatizing the Scopes Trial

The Scopes Trial: A Clash of Beliefs

The Core Conflict

The play revolves around three central characters: Brady, Drummond, and Rachel. The primary conflict between Drummond and Brady highlights the clash between fundamentalism and modernism. Brady, the prosecuting attorney, champions creationism and fights to prohibit the teaching of Darwin's theory of evolution. Drummond, on the other hand, supports evolutionism. Initially, Brady and Drummond were friends who admired and understood each other. However, their opposing beliefs transform them into adversaries. This conflict evolves throughout the play. While Brady wins the trial, Drummond achieves a moral victory as Cates stands up for his beliefs.

Brady's Transformation

Matthew Harrison Brady, a three-time presidential candidate, represents fundamentalists. He begins as a dynamic, self-confident, and arrogant character, admired by the common people. He is even granted the honorary title of Colonel in the State Militia. Brady is certain of the righteousness of fundamentalism and the fallacy of evolutionism. However, as the play progresses, Drummond's interrogation forces Brady to admit that he doesn't interpret the Bible literally. This admission transforms him from a leader into a tragic figure who dies without the fanfare he once enjoyed.

Evidence of Brady's Influence and Decline

• Page 20: A photographer exclaims, "Mr. Brady! Mr. Brady, a picture?" This demonstrates Brady's initial popularity and influence.
• Page 22: The Major states, "The governor of our state vested in the authority to confer upon you a commission as Honorary Colonel in the State Militia." This confirms Brady's honorary title.
• Page 121: Drummond remarks, "How painful it can be when you don't expect it. I wonder how it feels to be almost President three times, with a skull full of undelivered inauguration speeches." This highlights Brady's political failures and the potential bitterness he felt.

Rachel's Struggle and Enlightenment

Rachel's internal conflict between fundamentalism and modernism embodies the authors' belief in freedom of thought and the value of ideas. She loves her father, a fundamentalist, but also Cates, a modernist. This leaves Rachel torn and uncertain. After reading Darwin, she experiences an intellectual awakening. She admits, "I was always afraid of what I might think," suggesting that she found it safer to avoid critical thinking. Ultimately, she chooses to leave Hillsboro and her father, embracing her own ideas and joining Cates.

The Larger Societal Conflict

The play explores conflicts prevalent in American society, such as modernism versus fundamentalism, church versus state, and agnosticism versus faith. These conflicts arise when people disrespect or refuse to listen to differing beliefs. Lawrence and Lee use the conflict between Drummond and Brady to emphasize the importance of fighting for intellectual freedom and respecting diverse perspectives.