Essay Prompt
12 Angry Men
Sophomore English
Mr. Sanders
Overview: Since we began our discussions, I've asked you to consider that four concepts have
both positive and negative sides to them—certainty and doubt; justice and mercy. The play and
its film version deal with the conflict between these concepts. One of the topics for this essay
requires you to consider that certainty leads some jurors to forget that they live in a world of
doubt, and they have difficulty coming to terms with what it means to have reasonable doubt.
The other requires you to consider that misguided notions of justice lead some jurors to ignore
the power of mercy in a court of law. It is important for all of us to consider that certainty and
doubt are two sides of the same coin just as justice and mercy are, also.
Instructions: Choose one of the following questions and compose an essay of 2-3 pages in
response to it. See the Guidelines for Essays and the Essay Planing Worksheet.
Question 1: Which is more important to the conclusion of the play 12 Angry Men—certainty or
doubt? Write an essay in which you answer the question and explain your answer using at least
three examples from the play.
Question 2: Which is more important to the conclusion of the play 12 Angry Men—justice or
mercy? Write an essay in which you answer the question and explain your answer using at least
three examples from the play.