Twelve Angry Men. Reginald Rose

Transcription

1 Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose

2 Leadership What is leadership? Who makes a good leader? What are the qualities of a strong leader? Here are several points to consider when reading the play and discussing leadership: 1. the ability to speak out, take a risk, act on one s convictions 2. the ability to stand by oneself on an issue, even if there is no support 3. the ability to break from the crowd or be a role model for the crowd even if it is unpopular 4. the ability to act on, or voice, a concern on the behalf of others; being an advocate for others who may not have or feel they have a voice Add your own ideas about what makes a strong leader in the space below.

3 Twelve Angry Men Courage four corner exercise Respond as honestly as possible to the following statements by circling your response. 1. I work to solve problems without violence. 2. I work to solve problems with intimidation and threats. 3. I frequently cave in to peer pressure. 4. I seldom cave in to peer pressure. 5. I stand up for what is right even if I stand alone. 6. I prefer to have other people standing with me. 7. I am afraid to express myself just because other people might disapprove. 8. I do not hesitate to express my opinion even if it is unpopular. 9. I never intentionally ridicule, embarrass or hurt others. 10. I sometimes engage in behavior that belittles other people.

4 Fun Facts About US Legal System Only one case out of seven burglaries is solved in US. Thirteen percent of all US citizens have passed at least one night in jail. The shoplifting ratio of women is higher than men. Most of the cases in the US courts are automobile cases. Every 30 second, a court case if filed in US. In north California, you are not allowed to plow your field with an elephant. It is necessary for every Kentucky citizen to take a bath. At least one must take a bath once a year or he can go to jail. No store can sell a toothbrush on Sabbath in Rhode Island. 18th amendment could never be followed by two states, Connecticut and Rhode. Shooting a rabbit from a moving trolley is banned in New York. According to riverside California, a funny rules is found in the old books, and that is no two people can kiss unless they clean their lips with rose water. In San Diego, Public schools have banned hypnotism. No building in DC is allowed to be higher than 13 floor. The reason behind this is, that you can always see the monument of the former president Washington, no matter where you are in the city. Once, it was banned to serve cherry pie with ice cream on it, in Kansas.

5 Define the Following Words: Acquittal Appalled Bigot Defendant Dogged Premeditated Sadism Subservient Verdict

6 Directions: For each character write his attitude/beliefs at the beginning of the play in the first column and the changes made to his attitude at the end of the play in the second column. Character Beginning Attitude Changes Made to Character Foreman Juror 2 Juror 3 Juror 4 Juror 5 Juror 6 Juror 7 Juror 8 Juror 9 Juror 10 Juror 11 Juror 12

7 Characterization 12 Angry Men Character: Personality Traits Occupation Background that influences the trial Foreman How do you view? Juror 2 Juror 3 Juror 4 Juror 5 Juror 6

8 Character: Personality Traits Occupation Background that influences the trial Juror 7 How do you view? Juror 8 Juror 9 Juror 10 Juror 11 Juror 12

9 Review Questions 1. What are the judge s specific instructions to the twelve jurors? 2. How might the jury room itself, the time, & the weather affect the jurors? 3. Before the first vote is taken, what do you learn about: The Nature of the Crime: The Defendant: 4. What was the result of the 1 st vote? 5. What reason(s) did Juror #8 give for wanting to talk awhile about the defendant & the trial? 6. According to the old man who lived on the 2 nd floor, what happened on the night of the murder?

10 7. What was the young man s alibi & why was it so unbelievable? 8. What did the woman across the el tracks testify about the murder? 9. What are the 4 specific charges on the 19 year old s record? 10. According to Juror #8, what details did he give about the father s treatment of his son? 11. Why was Juror #3 so bitter about his attitude towards kids? 12. What did Juror #4 say about the children who come out of slum backgrounds? 13. What is the boy s story about the knife?

11 14. How did Juror #8 disprove the theory that the murder weapon was so unusual? 15. At the end of Act 1, why did Juror #8 suggest a secret ballot vote be taken? 16. What is the result of the 2 nd vote? 17. According to the Juror #11, why did he come to the U.S.? 18. What evidence does Juror #8 offer first to discount the old man s testimony about hearing the boy yell at his father? 19. What is Juror #9 s description of the old man as a witness & what did Juror #9 say about the old man s testimony? 20. What was Juror #8 s point about the boy yelling I m going to kill you. 21. Why did Juror #8 want to see the diagram of the old man s apartment?

12 22. What did Juror #3 yell at Juror #8 when he got very excited & what was Juror #8 s response? 23. What event did Juror #3 & Juror #8 recreate at the beginning of Act 3 that changed several jurors minds? 24. What information does Juror #5 provide that discounts the testimony of the stab wound entry? 25. Why is Juror #7 in such a hurry to change his vote & is this consistent with his earlier behavior? 26. Why does Juror #11 question Juror #7 so closely about changing his vote? 27. What is the result of the 4 th vote? 28. What does Juror #10 say near the end of Act 3 that reflects his prejudice? 29. What point did Juror #8 make about the old woman who lived across the el tracks & her glasses during her witnessing of the crime?

13 30. As the play draws to its conclusion, which jury member stands alone in his conviction that the boy is guilty? 31. What does Juror #3 reveal about himself in changing his vote at the end? 32. Did the jury prove that the defendant was not guilty? Yes or No. Cite at least 1 reason to support your answer. 33. Who is the hero of the play? 34. Who is the villain of the play? 35. Who is the bully of the play? 36. Who is the coward of the play?