Inherit the Wind Defeat Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act, Scene, Line)

Quote #7

(BRADY is fretful and disturbed. He's won the case. The prize is his, but he can't reach for the candy. In his hour of triumph, BRADY expected to be swept from the courtroom on the shoulders of his exultant followers. But the drama isn't proceeding according to plan.) (III, 270-75)

This line shows us that defeat isn't only about what happens in public; you can win the case, but if you had higher expectations for yourself, you can still feel like you lost. It's our own internal compasses that determine our understandings of certain events as wins or losses. Are we right?

Quote #8

JUDGE. […] The court deems it proper—(He glances at the MAYOR)—to sentence Bertram Cates to pay a fine of—(He coughs) one hundred dollars. (III, 83-86)

This is a very sweet defeat for Drummond. Even though he lost the case, Bert's sentence is so light that we know things will go his way eventually… whether he finds justice through court appeals, or the court of popular opinion.

Quote #9

(The mighty Evolution Law explodes with the pale puff of a wet firecracker. There is a murmur of surprise through the courtroom. BRADY is indignant.)

What an image. The "pale puff of a wet firecracker," huh? Does that sound like a big victory to you? Nope.