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12 Angry Men Study Guide

by Reginald Rose

12 Angry Men study guide contains a biography of Reginald Rose, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

The play is set in a New York City Court of Law jury room in 1957. The play opens to the empty jury room, and the Judge’s voice is heard, giving a set of final instructions to the jurors. We learn that this is a murder case and that, if found guilty, the mandatory sentence for the accused is the death penalty. After these instructions, the jurors enter.

The men file in and decide to take a short break before deliberating. They complain that the room is hot and without air-conditioning; even the fan doesn’t work. All the jurors presume the obvious guilt of the defendant, whom we learn has been accused of killing his father. Eventually, the twelve sit down and a vote is taken. All of the jurors vote “guilty,” except for the 8th Juror, who…

Read the full 12 Angry Men Summary

• 12 Angry Men Summary
• About 12 Angry Men
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Quotes and Analysis
• Summary and Analysis of Act One (Part 1)
• Summary and Analysis of Act One (Part 2)
• Summary and Analysis of Act Two
• Naturalism and the American Style
• Related Links on 12 Angry Men
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• 12 Angry Men: Major Themes
• 12 Angry Men: Essays
• 12 Angry Men: Questions
• 12 Angry Men: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Reginald Rose: Biography