Activity Overview
In literature, an “everyman” has come to mean an ordinary individual that the audience or reader easily identifies with, but who has no outstanding abilities or attributes. An everyman hero is one who is placed in extraordinary circumstances and acts with heroic qualities. While lacking the talent of the classical hero, they exhibit sound moral judgment and selflessness in the face of adversity.
Bert as an Everyday Hero
Brave
At the beginning of the play, Rachel pleads with Bert to change his mind and admit what he did was wrong. She asks why he can’t be on the right side of things, to which Bert replies, “Your father’s side.” He knows that he is going against the town, the town’s religious leader, and religion itself, but he also knows he needs to stand up for his belief that he did nothing wrong.
Scared, But Determined
After the jury selection is over, Bert has second thoughts about going through with the trial. He thinks that everyone is looking at him like he is a murderer. Drummond tells Bert that if he honestly thinks he committed a criminal act, he will pack up and go home. After a moment of thought, Bert knows he can’t quit.
Upstanding Character
Rachel asks Drummond for his honest opinion as to whether or not Bert is a wicked man. Drummond replies that Bert is a good man, and even a great man, because it takes a brave man to be a pariah to his community for standing up for what he believes in. It takes a smart man to stand up and say, “I don’t know the answer!”
Compassionate
After watching Rachel badgered on the stand, and having her words twisted by Brady to the point that she becomes emotionally distraught, rather than allow Drummond to cross-examine her to correct the record, Bert tells him to let her go. He is upset by the pain this has caused her.
Stands Up for Beliefs
In the end, Bert is unsure of whether or not he has won, because he was found guilty. Drummond tells him that his perseverance in this case will give strength to the next person who has to stand up against a law that restricts his freedoms to think and to speak. Bert has stood up for the very freedoms every American should expect, and enjoy, even the right to be wrong. That is a victory.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows how Bert can be considered an everyday hero.
- Identify events of the story or characteristics of Bert that fit into attributes of an everyday hero.
- Illustrate examples for Brave; Scared, But Determined; Upstanding Character; Compassionate; and Stands Up for Beliefs.
- Write a short description below each cell that specifically relates Bert as an everyday hero.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 27 Points | Beginning 22 Points | Try Again 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Characteristics of an Everyman Hero | The five common characteristics of an everyman hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes and/or explanations give context to the scene, and are accurate and appropriate to the characteristics being depicted. | 3-4 common characteristics of a everyman hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes and/or explanations give context to the scene, and are mostly accurate for the characteristics being depicted. | 2 common characteristics of a everyman hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes and/or explanations may be minimal or inaccurate for the characteristics being depicted. | 1 common characteristics of a everyman hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes/and or explanations may be inaccurate, missing, or too limited to score. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to the work of literature. It is evident that the student spent a lot of time, creativity, and effort into carefully crafting each artistic depiction. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. It is evident that the student stayed on task and put time and effort into crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate, but there are serious deviations that cause confusion or inaccuracies. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction. |
| English Conventions | Ideas and quotes are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. | Contains too many errors in grammar, usage and mechanics; (and/or) errors seriously interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
In literature, an “everyman” has come to mean an ordinary individual that the audience or reader easily identifies with, but who has no outstanding abilities or attributes. An everyman hero is one who is placed in extraordinary circumstances and acts with heroic qualities. While lacking the talent of the classical hero, they exhibit sound moral judgment and selflessness in the face of adversity.
Bert as an Everyday Hero
Brave
At the beginning of the play, Rachel pleads with Bert to change his mind and admit what he did was wrong. She asks why he can’t be on the right side of things, to which Bert replies, “Your father’s side.” He knows that he is going against the town, the town’s religious leader, and religion itself, but he also knows he needs to stand up for his belief that he did nothing wrong.
Scared, But Determined
After the jury selection is over, Bert has second thoughts about going through with the trial. He thinks that everyone is looking at him like he is a murderer. Drummond tells Bert that if he honestly thinks he committed a criminal act, he will pack up and go home. After a moment of thought, Bert knows he can’t quit.
Upstanding Character
Rachel asks Drummond for his honest opinion as to whether or not Bert is a wicked man. Drummond replies that Bert is a good man, and even a great man, because it takes a brave man to be a pariah to his community for standing up for what he believes in. It takes a smart man to stand up and say, “I don’t know the answer!”
Compassionate
After watching Rachel badgered on the stand, and having her words twisted by Brady to the point that she becomes emotionally distraught, rather than allow Drummond to cross-examine her to correct the record, Bert tells him to let her go. He is upset by the pain this has caused her.
Stands Up for Beliefs
In the end, Bert is unsure of whether or not he has won, because he was found guilty. Drummond tells him that his perseverance in this case will give strength to the next person who has to stand up against a law that restricts his freedoms to think and to speak. Bert has stood up for the very freedoms every American should expect, and enjoy, even the right to be wrong. That is a victory.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows how Bert can be considered an everyday hero.
- Identify events of the story or characteristics of Bert that fit into attributes of an everyday hero.
- Illustrate examples for Brave; Scared, But Determined; Upstanding Character; Compassionate; and Stands Up for Beliefs.
- Write a short description below each cell that specifically relates Bert as an everyday hero.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 27 Points | Beginning 22 Points | Try Again 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Characteristics of an Everyman Hero | The five common characteristics of an everyman hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes and/or explanations give context to the scene, and are accurate and appropriate to the characteristics being depicted. | 3-4 common characteristics of a everyman hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes and/or explanations give context to the scene, and are mostly accurate for the characteristics being depicted. | 2 common characteristics of a everyman hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes and/or explanations may be minimal or inaccurate for the characteristics being depicted. | 1 common characteristics of a everyman hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes/and or explanations may be inaccurate, missing, or too limited to score. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to the work of literature. It is evident that the student spent a lot of time, creativity, and effort into carefully crafting each artistic depiction. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. It is evident that the student stayed on task and put time and effort into crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate, but there are serious deviations that cause confusion or inaccuracies. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction. |
| English Conventions | Ideas and quotes are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. | Contains too many errors in grammar, usage and mechanics; (and/or) errors seriously interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about Bert as the Everyday Hero in Inherit the Wind
Engage students in a classroom debate about everyday heroes
Foster critical thinking by dividing students into groups and assigning them to argue whether Bert or another character best represents an everyman hero. Classroom debates encourage students to use evidence from the play and develop public speaking skills.
Guide students to gather supporting evidence from the text
Ask students to find specific quotes and scenes that showcase Bert’s bravery, compassion, and determination. Highlighting textual evidence helps students practice close reading and strengthens their arguments.
Encourage students to connect the play’s themes with real-world situations
Prompt students to brainstorm modern examples of everyday heroes in their communities or in the news. Making connections deepens understanding and personal relevance.
Assign reflection prompts after the debate
Have students write a short reflection on what qualities make an everyday hero and how their perspective may have changed. Reflective writing reinforces learning and encourages self-awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bert as the Everyday Hero in Inherit the Wind
What makes Bert an everyday hero in Inherit the Wind?
Bert Cates is considered an everyday hero in Inherit the Wind because he stands up for his beliefs, shows moral courage, and demonstrates compassion, even when facing adversity and public criticism. His actions inspire others to defend their rights and freedoms.
How does Bert show bravery in the play?
Bert shows bravery by refusing to back down from his principles, even when pressured by the community, religious leaders, and loved ones. He risks his reputation and freedom to defend what he believes is right.
What are examples of Bert's upstanding character?
Bert displays upstanding character by accepting the consequences of his actions, treating others with respect, and remaining honest throughout his trial. He values truth and integrity over personal comfort.
Why is Bert’s determination important in Inherit the Wind?
Bert’s determination is crucial because it empowers him to continue his fight for intellectual freedom and sets an example for others. His perseverance helps challenge unjust laws and inspires future change.
How can teachers help students identify Bert's heroism in the classroom?
Teachers can guide students to identify Bert's heroism by analyzing key scenes, discussing his motivations and moral choices, and encouraging students to create storyboards or character maps that highlight his everyday hero qualities.
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Inherit the Wind
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