Notes

This scene of the play is known for Reverend Brown's sermon about the creation of the world with its call and response pattern between the preacher and the congregation. In leading up to the climax of the sermon, Brown asks questions, and the people respond in an expected way. When he finally expresses that God made humankind on the sixth day, the people respond with "Glory, glory! Bless the Lord!" The Reverend Brown has deliberately worked up his congregation about the creation story in order to condemn Bert Cates. He even asks that God strike Cates down. When his daughter, Rachel, tries to stop her father, he curses her as well. The picture presented of Christianity in this scene is not a positive one; the followers of Christ are supposed to forgive, not hate and condemn.

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