The right to think and to examine controversial theories is the main theme of the play. The author uses the trial where Cates must defend his beliefs in the court of law to show how everyone has the right to their own opinion. Brady is a politician who is loud and obnoxious. He believes in God and the bible literally. There he disagrees with the teaching of religion in schools. Drummond however defends the schoolteacher …showed first 75 words of 309 total…

…showed last 75 words of 309 total…in heart. Brady says this in the play and it means that someone who hurts their family and causes them grief shall inherit nothing, the wind. Those who speak stupidly will be at the mercy of those who are smart. When Brady says this he is implying that Cates is a fool and should be punished. This quote is said later by Hornbeck when he remarks that the epitaph should be written on Brady's tombstone.