Student Question
Why is Bert Cates in jail in Inherit the Wind?
Quick answer:
Bert Cates is in jail for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution from Origin of Species to his class, which violates the law in his religious community. Despite attempts by his friend Rachel to downplay his actions, Cates stands by his belief that children should receive a proper education and not be limited by religious dogma.
Bertram Cates is a young, modest and quiet schoolteacher who is accused of breaking the law. He gets imprisoned because he read chapter 17 of the biology book in front of his class, which was about Darwin's Origin of Species and his theory of evolution. In other words, Cates is accused of teaching Darwinism in a rather religious community. His friend Rachel tries to save him by saying that he didn't mean what he said and that the whole thing was actually a joke, but Bert firmly stands by his opinion and insists that the young children should be properly educated; he believes that their young minds should not be brainwashed and argues that this universe and all creatures that live on it could not have been created in seven days.
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