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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the beginning of the deliberations, how do most of the jurors demonstrate a lack of seriousness about their role as jurors?

2. Why does the dissenting juror insist they should spend time examining the evidence in detail?

3. Which of the jurors comment that they all had difficult lives, so a difficult life should not explain the defendant's history of violence?

4. After the knife discussion, how do the other jurors pressure the dissenting juror to make him change his vote?

5. What is the reaction of the jury when the dissenting juror discredits the allegation that the weapon is unique?

Short Essay Questions

1. What additional evidence that incriminates the defendant does Juror Three present to the jury in Act I?

2. When Juror Two states that the defendant is guilty because no one proved his innocence, the writer uses the opportunity to establish two important principles of due process. What are these principles and why does the writer have Juror Eight explain them?

3. Which juror refers to the defendant's criminal record, and what does this consist of?

4. What is Juror Ten's contribution to the discussion of the evidence?

5. What is Juror Eight's response to the declaration of Juror Sevel about the defendant's criminal record?

6. What additional suggestion does Juror Four make in Act I to support his assertion that the defendant is guilty?

7. What is the defendant's alibi and how does Juror Four respond to it?

8. How do the jurors respond to the defendant's explanation of his purchase of the knife and the fact that he cannot produce it?

9. What views do the jurors have about the defendant's background?

10. What are the physical and personal concerns facing the jurors as they begin their deliberations?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a character sketch of Juror Eight, presenting reasons for your portrayal and commenting on this juror's impact on the events in the play.

Essay Topic 2

There are several votes and changing of positions by individual jurors throughout the play. Discuss in detail the incidents in which jurors vote or change their votes and assess the impact which these incidents have on the dramatic quality of the play.

Essay Topic 3

One of the themes in "Twelve Angry Men" is the impact of prejudice and preconceived notions on the deliberations by the jury. Discuss in detail the instances in which prejudice and preconceived notions are revealed in the play, and comment on the extent to which they represent problems in real-life group situations.

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