53 pages • 1 hour read
Reginald RoseTwelve Angry Men
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1954A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
NPBook Details
Classic Fiction
Play: Drama
Crime / Legal
Relationships: Fathers
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice
Society: Class