Trying to stem the tide of attention and support that has rapidly drifted away from him, Brady insists on giving his closing speech, despite the fact that court had been adjourned and carnival atmosphere has intruded. Only a few of the faithful followers seem prepared to listen; the others who remain listen only grudgingly. Brady begins his speech, but he is unable to hold the crowd's attention. The final insult occurs when the radio announcer interrupts Brady to return the listeners to their regularly scheduled broadcast. Brady collapses, is removed from the courtroom, and soon after dies.
Rachel enters the courtroom, carrying a suitcase. She apologizes to Cates for her lack of understanding and to Drummond for possibly offending him. She reveals that she has read Darwin's On Origin of Species, and, although she doesn't like the premise of evolutionary theory, she now understands how important having the freedom to think is. She chooses to support Cates and leave her father.
Hornbeck continues to mock Brady after learning of his death, and Drummond defends Brady, angrily pointing out that "Brady had the same right as Cates: the right to be wrong!" Then Drummond leaves the courtroom with a Bible and a copy of Darwin's On the Origin of Species.
