Arguments for Brady being demonized:
* He is portrayed as dogmatic and intolerant: Brady's staunch adherence to literal interpretations of the Bible leads him to condemn evolution as heresy and even prosecute those who believe in it. This portrays him as rigid and unwilling to consider alternative viewpoints.
* He is shown to be hypocritical: Brady's personal life is presented as being at odds with his public image. His emotional attachment to Rachel Brown, despite his opposition to her beliefs, highlights his hypocrisy.
* His death is presented as a tragic but deserved downfall: Brady's death, which occurs after a heated trial and a public repudiation of his beliefs, can be interpreted as a form of poetic justice.
Arguments against Brady being completely demonized:
* He is presented as a complex and conflicted character: While he is undeniably dogmatic, Brady is also shown to be deeply committed to his beliefs and driven by a genuine desire to protect what he sees as the truth. His internal struggles and moments of doubt are depicted in the play.
* The play criticizes the trial and the public's reaction more than Brady himself: The play critiques the hysteria and intolerance of the time, focusing on the mob mentality that fuelled the trial. Brady is presented as a victim of this atmosphere as much as a perpetrator.
* The play ultimately offers a message of tolerance and open-mindedness: The play emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, intellectual freedom, and the dangers of suppressing scientific inquiry. While Brady represents the forces of intolerance, the play ultimately advocates for the opposite.
Conclusion:
Instead of simply demonizing Brady, Lawrence and Lee offer a more complex and nuanced portrayal of a man caught between his unwavering faith and the changing world around him. The play uses Brady's flaws to highlight the dangers of dogmatism and the importance of intellectual freedom, but it also acknowledges his human struggle and his tragic downfall. Ultimately, the play leaves it to the audience to judge Brady's character and the impact of his beliefs on his life and the lives of those around him.