Play by Reginald Rose Teaching Activities by Rivka Lewenstein

THREE
: Wait a minute!
EIGHT
(
Hard
): This isn’t a game.
THREE
(
Angry
):
 
Who do you think you are?
SEVEN
(
Rising
):
 
All right, let’s take it easy.
THREE
: I’ve got a good mind to walk around the table and belt him one!
5
FOREMAN
: Now, please. I don’t want any fights in here.
THREE
: Did ya see him? The nerve! The absolute nerve!
TEN
: All right. Forget it. It don’t mean anything.
1. insignificant = unimportant 
4. leaps = jumps
2. doodles = draws 
5. belt him one = hit him 
(slang)
3. snatches = grabs (takes by force) 
430
435
440 
445
SAMPLE PAGE FROM 
TWELVE ANGRY MEN
© 2011. A.E.L. Publications

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41
Act Two
SIX
: How about sitting down.
THREE
: This isn’t a game. Who does he think he is? 
He lets them sit him down. EIGHT remains standing, holding the scrap of 
paper. He looks at it closely now and seems to be suddenly interested in it. Then 
he throws it back toward THREE. It lands in center of table. THREE is angered 
again at this, but FOUR puts his hand on his arm. EIGHT speaks now and his 
voice is more intense.
1
EIGHT
(
To 
FOUR): Take a look at that sketch.
2
How long does it take an elevated train 
going at top speed to pass a given point?
FOUR
: What has that got to do with anything?
EIGHT
: How long? Guess.
FOUR
: I wouldn’t have the slightest idea.
EIGHT
(
To 
FIVE): What do you think?