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Dehumanization in Inherit the Wind


            
             "Inherit the Wind" displayed the dehumanization of characters in two different manners. The first one, exhibiting hatred so deep towards someone that it demotes him (and we say "him" because no women were dehumanized in such a way) to a level lower than a human. The second manner acted in an opposite way and praise and admiration are used to elevate a character's status to one that is higher than a human's - almost a god. Matthew Harrison Brady is portrayed in this exact way. When the town finds out that he is coming to Hillsboro to act as a prosecuting attorney, the people prepare the town for his visit with a maddened frenzy. A banner is hung and speeches are prepared, and all for the arrival of a man, a man no different from the rest of the people. When Brady is serenaded with "Give Me that old-time Religion" it equates him to important biblical characters, and while they are certainly not demi-gods they are closer to god than Brady ever will be. To add to the awe that the townspeople have for him, Brady boasts about his abilities when he tells them to welcome Drummond. "The whole world will be watching our victory over Drummond." (Pg.26, par.1) he says with confidence, and then compares himself to St. George (pg. 26, par.1) to further the impression that he is a god-like figure.
             While this elevation to a godly status fed Brady's ego, it ultimately led him to his end. When Drummond calls him to the stand he is very sure of his future victory. He readily accepts the challenge, even though he knows that Drummond is an attorney just as capable and respected as he is. Drummond then questions Brady on several stories of the Bible, all of which Brady interprets literally. However, the stories are not rational if analyzed literally. Brady begins to look ridiculous when he cannot refute Drummond's arguments and the people in the courtroom begin to turn. The audience shifts its allegiance to Drummond while Brady loses his aggressiveness and begins to rant the books of the Bible.


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