Play by Reginald Rose Teaching Activities by Rivka Lewenstein

THREE
: No, we wouldn’t like to know why.
FOREMAN
: The man wants to talk.
NINE
: Thank you. (
Pointing at 
EIGHT) This gentleman chose to stand alone against 
us. That’s his right. It takes a great deal
3
of courage to stand alone even if you 
believe in something very strongly. He left the verdict up to us. He gambled
4
for 
support and I gave it to him. I want to hear more. The vote is ten to two. 
TEN
: That’s fine. If the speech is over, let’s go on.
FOREMAN gets up, goes to door, knocks, hands GUARD the tagged switch-
knife and sits down again.
1. fairy tales = children’s fantasy stories
2. stick to = keep to
3. a great deal = a lot
4. gambled = took a chance (played a game of chance)
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SAMPLE PAGE FROM 
TWELVE ANGRY MEN
© 2011. A.E.L. Publications

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3
Act Two
THREE
(
To 
FIVE): Look, buddy, I was a little excited. Well, you know how it is. I … I 
didn’t mean to get nasty.
1
Nothing personal.
FIVE looks at him.
SEVEN
(
To 
EIGHT): Look, supposing you answer me this. If the kid didn’t kill him, 
who did?
EIGHT
: As far as I know, we’re supposed to decide whether or not the boy on trial is 
guilty. We’re not concerned with anyone else’s motives here. 
NINE
: Guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This is an important thing to remember.
THREE
(
To 
TEN): Everyone’s a lawyer. (
To 
NINE) Supposing you explain what your 
reasonable doubts are. 
NINE
: This is not easy. So far, it’s only a feeling I have. A feeling. Perhaps you don’t 
understand.