Inherit the Wind Pre-Reading Situations

Each of the following situations touches on a theme seen throughout Inherit the Wind. In small groups, act out the scene, performing not only what is on the card, but also your own invented reactions. Afterwards, discuss each theme and how it could come into play in ITW.

Situation 1

There is a new teacher in school who is very dedicated to certain ideals and refuses to teach any other way. However, she has also stated that you are not to question anything she says. In other words, you have just been banned from thinking in her class. You are to listen to her lectures, but you are not to question them ever. How do you react?

Situation 2

You and your best friend are the best football players at camp this year. You work together to make each other look better, and you love to help each other out. However, your coach just told you that you are going to face one another head to head for the position of quarterback. The winner will get the spot and the other will be cut. How do you react? Do you still support one another, or do you get competitive?

Situation 3

You are a camp counselor and you love your job. You especially love teaching arts and crafts to the campers. However, a new head counselor has recently been hired who has banned arts and crafts from the camp. You are devastated. Do you fight back? Argue? Accept defeat?

Situation 4

A new kid has just moved here from out of state, and he is trying to make friends. He asks if you want to go to the mall and you agree. While there, he tells about his undying passion for video games, but he also explains how poor his family is. You feel so much pity for your new friend that you buy him the newest War Craft game. The next day at school, you over hear the new kid telling everyone how he tricked you into buying him the game and that his family is loaded. How do you react?

Situation 5

You have always believed that chocolate is the best ice cream flavor ever. Your family believes it as well, and you grew up knowing in your heart that you were right. However, new scientific evidence has come out that says that chocolate is horrible for you and that it is chemically the worst flavor out there. Do you continue with your beliefs? Do you stand up for yourself? Or do you side with science?

Situation 6

You have always hated smoking. You think it’s a nasty habit and that smokers are stinky. However, smoking has recently become very popular and acceptable in society. Even your own family is thinking about smoking. Do you stand alone as an individual, or do you decide to go with the flow?