12 Angry Men
The movie 12 Angry Men is the story of twelve jurors trying to reach a verdict on a murder trial. Eleven agree that
the defendant is guilty, but one man believes he is innocent. He then sets out to prove that he is right.
Based on the real life experience of a juror, the movie shows how the diverse personalities that make up a jury can
affect the verdict. This movie was released in 1957, yet it is still relevant today.
Directions: Complete the following three items using your notes from the movie and play. All assignments must be
typed, double spaced, 12 point font.
1)
Identify 3 characters that were represented on the jury. How did the personalities of these characters affect their
judgement? Include specific examples from the movie in your answer. (See seating chart on reverse)
(1 paragraph each, 3 paragraphs total for 15 points)
2)
Answer two of the following questions:
(1 paragraph each, 2 paragraphs total for 20 points)
A)
“What is a reasonable doubt. That’s nothing but words.”
- Messenger Service
In your own words, explain the concept of reasonable doubt. Why is it important, and how did it affect the
verdict in 12 Angry Men? Include specific examples from the movie in your answer.
B)
“Prejudice always complicates the truth.” – Henry Fonda
Explain what part prejudice played in the movie and how it “complicated the truth.” Include specific
examples in your answer.
C)
“We have a responsibility. This is a remarkable thing about democracy. We are notified by mail to
come down and decide on the guilt or innocence of a man we have never heard of before. We have
nothing to gain or lose by this verdict. This is what makes us strong.” – Immigrant Watchmaker
Why is the responsibility to serve on a jury such an important thing? Include specific examples from the
movie in your answer.
3)
Give the movie 12 Angry Men a grade, (A-F) (10 points)
What did you learn from the movie? Justify your grade with examples and evidence. (1 Paragraph)
4)
You are required to take notes as you watch the movie. These notes will help you complete this final writing
assignment. While watching the movie, pay attention to which character says what. The seating chart should help
you place them. Don’t forget to take notes.
5)
If you are absent during the viewing of the movie, you are responsible for watching the parts you missed.
SEATING CHART
Foreman
Advertising Executive
Bank Teller
Immigrant Watchmaker
Messenger Service Man
Garage Owner
Stock Broker
Old Man
Slum Resident
Henry Fonda
Painter
“Big Mouth”
12 Angry Men
12 Angry Men Rubric
Part One
Three Characters
(paragraph each)
Possible 5 points
Part One
Three Characters
(paragraph each)
Possible 5 points
Part One
Three Characters
(paragraph each)
Possible 5 points
Part Two
One Paragraph
answer to ONE
quote.
Possible 15 points
Part Two
One Paragraph
answer to ONE
quote.
Possible 15 points
Grade the Movie
Possible 10 points
A
(5 points) Exemplary
response of how the
character’s personality
affected his judgment.
Answer gives specific
examples from the
movie.
(5 points) Exemplary
response of how the
character’s personality
affected his judgment.
Answer gives specific
examples from the
movie.
(5 points) Exemplary
response of how the
character’s personality
affected his judgment.
Answer gives specific
examples from the
movie.
(15) Response does an
excellent job in
answering both the
question and using
specific examples from
the film to back up
writer’s opinion.
(15) Response does an
excellent job in
answering both the
question and using
specific examples from
the film to back up
writer’s opinion.
(10) Response includes
a grade and full
explanation of why you
gave the grade and what
you learned from the
movie. Answer is
backed up with examples
and evidence from the
film.
B
(4 points) Excellent
response of how the
character personality
affected their judgment.
Answer needs more
specific examples from
the movie.
(4 points) Excellent
response of how the
character personality
affected their judgment.
Answer needs more
specific examples from
the movie.
(4 points) Excellent
response of how the
character personality
affected their judgment.
Answer needs more
specific examples from
the movie.
(13) Response does an
adequate job of
answering the question,
although more is
needed. The writer uses
specific examples to
back up opinion.
(13) Response does an
adequate job of
answering the question,
although more is
needed. The writer uses
specific examples to
back up opinion.
(8) Response includes
a grade and what you
learned. More
examples/evidence
needed to back up
answer.
Final Score ______________________/ 55 points
Converted Score _________________/100 points
C
(3 points) More needed
on how the character’s
personality affected
their judgment and
more examples needed.
D
(2 points) Answer does not
address how the
character’s personality
affected their judgment
and/or no examples are
used.
(3 points) More needed
on how the character’s
personality affected
their judgment and
more examples needed.
(2 points) Answer does not
address how the
character’s personality
affected their judgment
and/or no examples are
used.
(3 points) More needed
on how the character’s
personality affected
their judgment and
more examples needed.
(2 points) Answer does not
address how the
character’s personality
affected their judgment
and/or no examples are
used.
(11) Response does not
answer the question
and/or the writer needs
to use more specific
examples from the film.
(10) Answer does not
answer the question and/or
no examples were used.
(11) Response does not
answer the question
and/or the writer needs
to use more specific
examples from the film.
(10) Answer does not
answer the question and/or
no examples were used.
(7) Response needs
more in terms of
explaining what you
learned and in use of
examples.
(6) Response does not
include a grade and/or
what you learned from the
movie.