Twelve Angry Men Themes Characters Background Reginald Rose

Twelve Angry Men Themes Characters Background

Reginald Rose • Reginald Rose: born December 10, 1920 – died April 19, 2002 • He was an American film and television writer most widely known for his work in the early years of television drama. • Rose is known for writing about controversial social and political issues. His realistic approach helped create the genre of television drama of the 1950’s.

Twelve Angry Men Was originally written for television by Reginald Rose. The play was inspired by Rose's own experiences on jury duty off a murder case in New York City. . He did not want to be involved at first but as soon as he walked into the courtroom he was intrigued.

Why is this unique? Murder in the first degree –pre-meditated homicide- is the most serious charge tried in our criminal justice courts. “Twelve Angry Men” is not a court-room drama, but rather a jury-room drama during which many aspects of the court proceedings are recalled. The audience is taken into a room in which the general public is never allowed to enter. The experience of this play, then is an unusual one.

Historical Context 1950’s A socially conservative time. People were very materialistic. The American Dream had turned into the dream of owning things. Juvenile delinquency was said to be at an all -time high African Americans were subject to racial discrimination. Comics were published and growing in popularity. Television sales were booming.

Discrimination Some of the jurors think the boy is guilty because of his background and ethnicity. Slum: A thickly populated area marked by poverty and dirty or deteriorating houses. (No. 8) “I don’ t think it was a very strong move. This boy has been hit so many times that violence is practically a normal state of affairs with him. I just can’t see two slaps in the face would have provoked him into committing murder. ”

Justice The administration of the law Fairness Righteousness

Integrity Adherance to a code of values. o Juror # Eight

What is a Play? Any type of reading that is performed on stage. This includes: Dramas Comedies Musicals Tragedies

What is a Drama? l One of the major forms of literature l Intended to be performed on stage in front of an audience l It includes stage directions and dialogue between characters l Drama begins with a script-the written form of the play

STAGE DIRECTIONS Instructions for the director, actors, and stage crew Set apart in the script using (parentheses) and Italics Describe the scenery (items on stage that create setting) and what the props are (objects the actors use)

DIALOGUE Conversation between characters One of the most important things about a drama/play is that it uses dialogue. During the play, the dialogue tells us about the plot and characters’ personalities. We know who the speaker is because the name of the speaker is bolded in front of what the speaker says.

What’s a Trial? We will see a brief glimpse of this in To Kill a Mockingbird There are several parts to a trial. Jury Selection Opening statements Prosecution’s case (“good guy”) Defense’s case (the defendant “bad guy”) Closing statements Jury instructions Jury deliberation and verdict

Important terms to know: Burden of proof: the necessity of proof always lies with the person who lays charges. Due process of law: the state must allow all of the legal rights that are owed to a person under the law. Presumption of innocence: the defendant is legally assumed to be innocent until he or she is proven guilty. Circumstantial evidence: evidence used which may or may not be true. Reasonable doubt: doubt of a person’s guilt based on evidence or reason.

Vocabulary A text that is acted out in front of an audience The first major division of a play The division of an act Play Act 1 Scene 2 Act 2 Scene 1

Vocabulary Abstain: Refrain from an action Antagonize: To provoke hostility Coroner: Doctor who investigates causes of death. Deliberate: Carefully think through. Drab: Dull Petty Jury: A jury of twelve people Rapport: Relationship Subservient: Passive and obedient

Vocabulary Dialogue: Conversation between two or more parties. Naïve: Someone who is inexperienced in the ways of the world. Unanimous: The agreement of all. Hung Jury: A jury that cannot agree. Sadist: Someone who enjoys seeing other people suffer. Reasonable doubt: Doubt based on evidence or reason. Premeditated: Planned before an act is performed. Homicide: Murder. Bigot: Someone who is racist and discriminates against people.

WHERE DO YOU STAND? Ethics and Values

Suppose you knew that everyone around you was thinking one way; the opposite of how you were thinking. Would you still stand up for what you believed, or would you go along with the crowd?

Suppose someone tells you that your best friend gossips about you behind your back. Would you: Talk to your friend Investigate the situation (i. e. consider the source, go over the facts) Never talk to your best friend again

l Is there ever a good enough reason to give someone the death penalty?

Suppose someone tells your mom they saw you smoking. Your mom kicks you out of the house without even talking to you about it. Fair? Unfair? Why not?

Have you ever, even in jest, said, “I’m gonna kill you!”? Now, suppose that person that you said that to turned up dead later that day (they had, indeed, been killed). Is that reason enough to send you to jail for life?

Imagine a time that you have been really ticked off. While you were mad: Did you listen to music? Did you watch a movie? If so, can you remember the song or the title of the movie? Why or why not?

What is Justice? In your assigned small groups write down on your sticky notes what you think justice means in general and what is means in relation to the criminal justice system. Then place your sticky notes on the poster board at the front of the room. We will discuss our thoughts!