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Summary

Act One, Scene One

The play begins with Howard looking for worms, then Melinda appears. They have a small chat, which tells the audience about the evolution teachings. Rachel enters, and calls for Mr. Meeker (The Bailiff). They have a talk, and Rachel convinces Meeker to bring Bertram Cates (the defendant) up so Rachel and Bert can talk. During this time, we are told more about why Bert taught evolution. Rachel and Bert are in love, and they kiss. Meeker comes in as they are kissing, saying he needs to sweep. Rachel then exits. Meeker talks about a time when he saw Mathew Harrison Brady, the prosecuting attorney. At the time, Bert's lawyer is not revealed, but he says he is coming from the "Baltimore Herald."

Reverend Brown enters, and he has some small chat with the town's people. Everyone is all excited about Matthew Harrison Brady coming. When Howard sees the smoke from the train, everyone exits. A reporter, E.K. Hornbeck, makes himself known as a not-so-nice reporter. After Mr. Hornbeck feigns conversation with a monkey, the crowd enters, and Brady begins his speech, and everyone is excited to see him. The Mayor reads his welcoming speech, and makes Brady an "Honorary Colonel in the State Militia". The mayor then introduces Mr. Brady to Reverend Jeremiah Brown. Members of the town's Ladies Aid bring in a buffet lunch for Mr. Brady as he talks about how he will fight his opponent. Hornbeck then announces that the Defending Lawyer will be Henry Drummond, one of Mr. Brady's old friends, and a well known lawyer. The scene ends with everyone in the town escorting Mr.and Mrs.Brady to their hotel.

Scene Two

Scene Two begins in the court house with Davenport (Circuit District Attorney) questioning Mr. Bannister for Jury duty. Mr. Bannister says he attends church on Sundays, and the prosecution accepts him. Mr. Drummond then questions Mr. Bannister, and it is revealed that Mr. Bannister is illiterate. Mr. Drummond then states "Well, you are fortunate." Mr. Bannister takes a seat in the Jury. Jesse H. Dunlap is then called to the stand, and Mr. Brady calls a motion that everyone takes off their coats, because the temperature is "now 97 degrees Fahrenheit." The judge agrees, and everyone removes their coats. The prosecution then asks Dunlap if he believes in the Bible. Dunlap says yes. Drummond then rises and says "No questions, not acceptable." After a little exchange of words between Brady and Drummond, Drummond goes up to him and asks how he is. Dunlap says he's hot, and Drummond says he is too. Drummond then excuses Dunlap. Drummond doesn't like that Brady has the title of "Colonel." The Mayor then jumps up, while Meeker calls George Sillers to the stand. The Mayor confers with the Judge, and decides to make Drummond a "Temporary Honorary Colonel." Brady then questions Sillers simply, then accepts him. Drummond asks Sillers some questions on religion, then on evolution. Drummond then accepts Sillers. Brady and Drummond have an argument that Sillers wont render impartial judgment. Brady then says that the Jury members must conform to the laws of society, and Drummond explodes at the word "conform." Brady then brings up the "Endicott Publishing Case," where Drummond made the Jury believe it was their own heads that was messing up the case. Drummond then states that he wants to stop "the clock-stoppers" from putting some medieval garbage into the Constitution. The Judge states that this is not a federal court, then Drummond says "Well, damnit, you've got to stop them somewhere." The Judge rules that both men are out of order, and that that Jury has been selected. He recesses the court until 10 the next morning. Before he leaves, he announces that Reverend Brown will hold a prayer meeting later that night. Drummond argues against it, saying that it's not fair, that he should announce an evolutionist meeting. The Judge stands that the court is recessed.

Scene Three

Scene Three starts with Brady being interviewed by some reporters from "Reuters News Agency" (Pronounced Royters), in London. Brady says that if his own brother were to challenge the faith of millions, he would still oppose him. Reverend Brown enters, stating he likes to begin his meetings on time. The rest of the crowd enters, and Brown begins saying how we believe in the spirit of God. Brown runs through all Six days of creation, and how on the 6th day, he created man, and everyone bows down to Brown. After a short speech, everyone rises again, responding in a loud roar "YES!" to each line. Brown curses the "man who has sinned against the word" (Cates), calling down hellfire on him and damning him to hell. Rachel then runs up and tries to stop her father from Damning Bert to hell, but the Reverend "calls down this same curse on those who pray grace for this sinner." Brady stops Brown, saying how he is over zealous, and states "He that troubleth his own house, shall inherit the wind." (Where the play gets its name) The towns people exit, singing, then Brady and Drummond have a talk about how they were good friends, and that they have drifted away. Drummond says that Brady has moved away, "by standing still."