53 pages • 1 hour read
Twelve Angry Men
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Book Brief
96
Play • Fiction
New York City • 1950s
1954
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose takes place in a New York City jury room, where twelve jurors must decide the fate of a young boy accused of murdering his father. The deliberations reveal the jurors' backgrounds and prejudices as they scrutinize the evidence, with the 8th Juror advocating for reasonable doubt. Tensions rise, leading to heated debates and ultimately a unanimous verdict. Topics include violence and death.
Suspenseful
Challenging
Contemplative
Emotional
Dark
Reviews & Readership
35,230 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reginald Rose's Twelve Angry Men is widely praised for its compelling exploration of justice and human psychology. Critics commend its tight pacing and sharp dialogue, though some note occasional predictability and clichéd characters. The play's intense moral quandaries and character dynamics make it an enduring success in courtroom drama literature.
Who Should Read Twelve Angry Men?
For readers who appreciate intense courtroom dramas and character-driven narratives, Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose is a compelling choice. Fans of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird or John Grisham’s legal thrillers will find the themes of justice, prejudice, and moral responsibility particularly engaging.
35,230 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
3RD JUROR
3RD JUROR
A self-made businessman who is quick to anger and holds strong conservative views, especially regarding father-son relationships.
10TH JUROR
10TH JUROR
A mechanic who openly displays deep-seated prejudices and has a strong bias influenced by racial and class stereotypes.
5TH JUROR
5TH JUROR
A nurse with firsthand experience of slum life, who provides unique insights into the community to which the accused belongs.
11TH JUROR
11TH JUROR
A watchmaker and immigrant with a strong belief in justice and democracy, serving as a mediator who values fair deliberation.
96
Play • Fiction
New York City • 1950s
1954
Adult
14-18 years
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