"In and around the {Edinburgh} Courthouse...This is not so much as a literal view of {Edinburgh} as it is an impression of a sleepy, obscure town about to be vigorously awakened" (3).In the small town of Edinburgh, controversy strikes fast.
"The foreground is the actual courtroom, with juries box, judge's bench and a scattering of trial-scarred chairs and counsel tables" (3).Eighteen-year-old Daniel Olivera awaits his fate in the trial against him.
"People look at me as if I was a murderer. Worse than a murderer! That fella from Minnesota who killed his wife...looked at him as if he was a curiosity-not like they hated him!" (50).
Judge Joe Brown preceeds over the trial as Daniel is heavily questioned about his views on evolution and creationism."Let us proceed with the selection of the final juror" (40).
The lawyer for Daniel argues for his rights to think about topics outside what others believe.
Daniel believes in creationism while his father, a science teacher, believes in evolution.
"I wanted to run to my father, and have him tell me I was safe, that everything was all right. But I was always more frightened of him than I was of falling. It's the same way now" (55).
Will Daniel find middle ground with his father?
Daniel's father, Mr. Olivera, does not think that his son should believe anything other than what science teachers teach in the classroom, evolution.
"Your honor, I have no intention of making a speech. There is no need. I am sure that everyone on the jury, everyone within the sound of this boy's voice, is moved by his tragic confusion" (70).
How will Daniel deal with the chaos within?
Daniel and his mother argue over the topic. His mother, Rose, thinks that he should stick by his father while Daniel knows that he has opinions of his own.
"I am a friend of enemies, the enemy of friends; I am admired for my detestability. I am both Poles and the Equator, With no Temperate Zones between" (33).
"The man who has everything figured out is probably a fool. College examinations notwithstanding, it takes a very smart fella to say 'I don't know the answer'" (55).
"A thinking man! And he is threatened with fine and imprisonment because he chooses to speak what he thinks" (72).
Daniel and his father argue over there differing opinions. Should Daniel conform to the way his father thinks? Or should he break free and say what he really feels?
The lawyer for Daniel argues for his rights to think about topics outside what others believe."I'm afraid so. It would nice if nobody ever had to make anybody do anything" (54).
Daniel believes in creationism while his father, a science teacher, believes in evolution.
"I wanted to run to my father, and have him tell me I was safe, that everything was all right. But I was always more frightened of him than I was of falling. It's the same way now" (55).
Will Daniel find middle ground with his father?
Daniel's father, Mr. Olivera, does not think that his son should believe anything other than what science teachers teach in the classroom, evolution."I was always afraid of what I might think-so it seemed safer not to think at all. But now I know...Bad or good, it doesn't make any difference. The ideas have to come out..." (125)
"Your honor, I have no intention of making a speech. There is no need. I am sure that everyone on the jury, everyone within the sound of this boy's voice, is moved by his tragic confusion" (70).How will Daniel deal with the chaos within?
Daniel and his mother argue over the topic. His mother, Rose, thinks that he should stick by his father while Daniel knows that he has opinions of his own. "...I have been convicted of violating an unjust law. I will continue in the future, as I have in the past, to oppose this law in any way I can" (115).
"Sometimes I think the law is like a horse race. Sometimes it seems to me I ride like fury, just to end up bck where I started. Might as well be on a merry-go-round, or a rocking horse..." (109).
The jury listens to the lawyers cases, but one side
particularly feels that they are just running in circles,
getting no where with their proceedings.
particularly feels that they are just running in circles,
getting no where with their proceedings.
"It's sad that we aren't all gifted with your positive knowledge of Right and Wrong.." (94).
Will the jury equally consider both sides of the case?
"But one of the peculiar imbecilities of our time is the grid of morality we have placed on human behavior: so that every act of man must be measured against an arbitrary latitude of right and...wrong...Did you have any idea what I'm talking about, Howard?" (74).
Daniel contemplates with his friend, Howard, about the situation he is in. His father believes something completely different than he, but is that such a bad thing?
"I am a friend of enemies, the enemy of friends; I am admired for my detestability. I am both Poles and the Equator, With no Temperate Zones between" (33).The judge contemplates her decision. She must have an opinion about the case.
What will the judge decide in the case?
"The man who has everything figured out is probably a fool. College examinations notwithstanding, it takes a very smart fella to say 'I don't know the answer'" (55).People travel through the town to observe the chaos that so vigorously awoke this sleepy town.
"I'm here on a press pass, and I don't intend To miss any part of the show (61).
"I'm inspecting the battlefield. The night before the battle. Before it's cluttered with the debris of journalistic camp-followers" (31).
People begin to gossip throughout Edinburgh about the scandal.
"A thinking man! And he is threatened with fine and imprisonment because he chooses to speak what he thinks" (72).
"Everything in the Bible should be accepted, exactly as it is given there" (87).
Daniel and his father argue over there differing opinions. Should Daniel conform to the way his father thinks? Or should he break free and say what he really feels?
"The courthouse lawn. The same night. The oppressive heat of the day softened...Two lamposts spread a glow..." (59).
The trial is still going on, and the town looks dark and gloomy. The weight of the drama is still unfolding.
"-and I hope that you will tell the readers of your newspapers that here in {Edinburgh} we are fighting the fight of the Faithful throughout the world!" (59).
Evolution and creationism is not only being tested in the courts, but also within a family between Daniel and his father.
Can their relationship last a lifelong controversy?
Find Out....In the Family...Coming July 2009 to a Cinema near you!
