Inherit the Wind (Hornbeck)?

Question: Inherit the Wind (Hornbeck)!?

Why is hornbeck so useful to the story!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

The character of Hornbeck is that of a cynic---someone who's completely opposed to the fundamentalist traditions and prejudices exhibited by the townspeople, and not afraid to express his opinions of them in print!. The character's based on a real writer, H!.L!.Mencken, who covered the real trial the play is based on!.
He provides a counterbalancing voice in the play; his all-purpose cynicism is sometimes just as reflexive and automatic as the townspeople who are against the teaching of evolution because it conflicts with their religious beliefs, represented by Matthew Harrison Brady!.
In the middle of the conflict stands Henry Drummond, whose arguments in court are based neither on cynicism or belief, but in justice and reason!.Www@QuestionHome@Com