Twelve Angry Men By: Reginald Rose

Terms and Definitions Plot-the pattern of events in a literary work; what happens Characterization-the methods, incidents, speech, etc, an author uses to reveal the people in the book. Characterization is depicted by what the person says, what others say, and by his or her actions

Terms and Definitions Theme-the central or dominant idea behind the story; the most important aspect that emerges from how the book treats its subjects. Sometimes theme is easy to see, but other times, it may be more difficult. Theme is usually expressed indirectly, as an element the reader must figure out

Theme (cont.) It is a universal statement about humanity, rather than a simple statement dealing with plot or characters in a story. Themes are generally hinted at through different methods; a phrase or quotation that introduces the novel, a recurring element in the book, or an observation made that is reinforced through plot, dialogue, or characters.

Theme (cont.) It must be emphasized that not all works of literature have themes in them.

Terms and Definitions Dialogue-conversation between two or more characters Dramatist personae-the cast of characters Drama-plays intended to be acted; performances of plays Motivation-the reasons behind a character’s actions

Terms and Definitions Protagonist-the central or main character in a story around whom the plot centers Antagonist-the person or force that is in conflict with, or opposes, the protagonist. Climax-the point of greatest dramatic tension or excitement in a story.

Terms and Definitions Stage Business-a physical interaction of the character, usually with a prop, a piece of scenery, or other character, designed to move the action, reveal character, or provide movement

Terms and Definitions Stereotyping-the act of putting people into groups based on race, religion, nationality, physical appearance, social class, or some other easily identifiable characteristic.

Legal Terms Prosecutor-the district attorney who tries to prove the guilt of the suspect Defense Counsel-the lawyer who represents the defendant and tries to maintain innocence Verdict-the final decision made by the jury Foreman-a juror chosen to lead a jury and deliver the verdict to the judge

Legal Terms Convict-to find the suspect guilty of the crime Acquit-to find the suspect innocent Reasonable Doubt-the element in law, which states that if a sensible amount of uncertainty exists, a juror must vote to acquit.

Reasonable Doubt (cont.) If jurors were not there to see the suspect commit the crime, they cannot be one hundred percent certain the suspect is guilty; however, even without being certain, they may vote to convict if they believe the defendant committed the crimes. If they have a real question in their minds as to the suspect’s guilt or innocence, this is “reasonable doubt,” and their votes should be to acquit.

Legal Terms Innocent until proven guilty-a fundamental principal of law that means the state must prove guilt; the suspect does not have to prove innocence. The Fifth Amendment-a fundamental principle of law which states that a person cannot be forced to testify against him or herself in a court of law. This Amendment also provides freedom from double jeopardy.

Legal Terms Double Jeopardy-a fundamental principle of law that states a person cannot be tried twice for the same crime. This means that if a defendant is acquitted, that person cannot be tried again for the same crime, even if evidence arises that proves that person’s guilt.

Legal Terms Cross-examination-question a witness called by the opposing counsel Deliberate-to consider or discuss carefully Premeditated-planned or plotted in advance Homicide-the killing of one person by another

Notes This play deals with the sensitive issues of prejudice and racism, relying heavily on the portrayal of stereotypes. This ultimate purpose of these portrayals is to delineate the value of justice and morality, looking past stereotypes and prejudice.

Notes (cont.) The stereotyped group, however, remains unnamed; nevertheless, students must be alerted to the fact that the views, improper as they are, did indeed influence jury decisions for many years. This controversy emphasizes the play’s important theme of justice prevailing, even when only one person stands up for what is right.

Background Reginald Rose wrote Twelve Angry Men in 1954 as a television drama. Rose was a well-known television playwright during his time. The setting of the play is a murder trial. Twelve men must decide the fate of a man accused of murder.

Background (cont.) Juries consist of twelve citizens of the United States randomly selected from the town in which the trial takes place. In this play there are only men on the jury because this was written during a time when women and other minorities were rarely selected for jury duty

Background (cont.) It was not until 1975 that the US Supreme Court declared that it was illegal to ban women from jury duty.

Foreman He is a small, petty man who is impressed with the authority he has and handles himself quite formally. He is not overly bright, but dogged.

Juror No. Two He is a meek, hesitant man who finds it difficult to maintain any opinions of his own. He is easily swayed and usually adopts the opinion of the last person to whom he has spoken.

Juror No. Three He is a very strong, very forceful, extremely opinionated man within whom can be detected a streak of sadism. Also, he is a humorless man who is intolerant of opinions other than his own, and accustomed to forcing his wishes and views upon others.

Juror No. Four He seems to be a man of wealth and position, and a practiced speaker who presents himself well at all times. He seems to feel a little bit above the rest of the jurors. His only concern is with the facts in this case and he is appalled with the behavior of the others.

Juror No. Five He is a naïve, very frightened young man who takes his obligations in this case very seriously but who finds it difficult to speak up when his elders have the floor.

Juror No. Six He is an honest but dull-witted man who comes upon his decisions slowly and carefully. He is a man who finds it difficult to create positive opinions, but who must listen to and digest and accept those opinions offered by others which appeal to him most.

Juror No. Seven He is a loud, flashy, glad-handed salesman type who has more important things to do than to sit on a jury. He is quick to show temper and equally quick to form opinions on things about which he knows nothing. He is a bully, and, of course, a coward.

Juror No. Eight He is a quiet, thoughtful, gentle man-a man who sees all sides of every question and constantly seeks the truth. He is a man of strength tempered with compassion. Above all, he is a man who wants justice to be done, and will fight to see that it is.

Juror No. Nine He is a mild, gentle old man, long since defeated by life, and now merely wanting to die. He recognizes himself for what he is, and mourns the days when it would have been possible to be courageous without shielding himself behind his many years.

Juror No. Ten He is an angry, bitter man-a man who antagonizes almost at sight. He is also a bigot who places no values on any human life save his own. Here is a man who has been nowhere and is going nowhere and knows it deep within him.

Juror No. Eleven He is a refugee from Europe. He speaks with an accent and is ashamed, humble, almost subservient to the people around him. He will honestly seek justice because he has suffered through so much injustice.

Juror No. Twelve He is a slick, bright advertising man who thinks of human beings in terms of percentages, graphs and polls, and has no real understanding of people. He is a superficial snob, but trying to be a good fellow.

Costumes The jurors wear everyday business clothes suitable for summer. Juror No. Five wears an expensively tailored suit. Juror No. Seven’s clothes are flashy. Juror No. Twelve dresses smartly but in good taste.