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Best 23 Twelve Angry Men Quotes
Reginald Rose’s play, Twelve Angry Men, has captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of a jury’s deliberation in a murder trial. With its thought-provoking dialogue and powerful performances, this timeless classic continues to resonate with viewers. From the intense discussions on justice to the exploration of human biases, Twelve Angry Men presents a plethora of memorable quotes. In this article, we have compiled the best 23 quotes from the play to showcase its brilliance and impact.
1. “It’s very hard to keep personal prejudice out of a thing like this. And no matter where you run into it, prejudice obscures the truth.” – Juror 4
This quote highlights the theme of prejudice and its ability to cloud judgment, urging the jurors to remain objective.
2. “I don’t want to change your mind. I just want to talk for a while.” – Juror 8
Juror 8’s determination to engage in a meaningful discussion demonstrates his commitment to justice and fair deliberation.
3. “Prejudice always obscures the truth.” – Juror 8
Juror 8 reminds the other jurors that their prejudices can hinder their ability to uncover the truth.
4. “It takes a great deal of courage to stand alone.” – Juror 9
This quote emphasizes the courage and conviction required to challenge the majority and stand up for what is right.
5. “We have a responsibility. This is a remarkable thing about democracy.” – Juror 9
Juror 9 highlights the weight of responsibility that comes with participating in a democratic system.
6. “It’s not easy to raise my hand and send a boy off to die without talking about it first.” – Juror 8
Juror 8’s empathy and desire for thorough discussion showcase the importance of considering all perspectives before making a decision.
7. “We’re talking about somebody’s life here.” – Juror 8
This quote reinforces the gravity of the decision the jurors are making and reminds them to approach the case with utmost seriousness.
8. “We’re not here to go into the reasons why slums are breeding grounds for criminals.” – Juror 10
Juror 10’s dismissive comment exposes his prejudice and sparks a discussion on the importance of focusing solely on the facts of the case.
9. “It’s always difficult to keep personal prejudice out of a thing like this.” – Juror 11
Juror 11 acknowledges the inherent difficulty in remaining impartial and calls for a collective effort to eliminate personal biases.
10. “We have a reasonable doubt, and that’s something that’s very valuable in our system.” – Juror 8
This quote emphasizes the importance of reasonable doubt and its role in ensuring a fair trial.
11. “If there’s a reasonable doubt in your minds as to the guilt of the accused, a reasonable doubt, then you must bring me a verdict of not guilty.” – The Judge
The Judge’s instructions remind the jurors of their duty to carefully consider the evidence and only convict if guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
12. “It’s not easy for me to raise my hand and send a boy off to die without talking about it first.” – Juror 8
Juror 8’s previous quote is reiterated here, emphasizing the personal struggle he faces in making such a grave decision.
13. “What do you think I’m trying to do, get myself killed?” – Juror 9
Juror 9’s sarcastic remark highlights the tense atmosphere within the jury room and the fear of retribution for challenging popular opinion.
14. “This gentleman chose not to stand alone against us. That’s his right.” – Juror 12
Juror 12 acknowledges Juror 8’s right to express his dissenting opinion, highlighting the importance of individual autonomy within a group setting.
15. “We’re talking about somebody’s life here. We can’t decide in five minutes.” – Juror 8
This quote emphasizes the need for thorough deliberation and the recognition that a person’s life hangs in the balance.
16. “You don’t have to be smart to be a juror. You just take the average of the 12 people you know, that’s the way you reach a decision.” – Juror 11
Juror 11 challenges the notion that intelligence is a prerequisite for serving on a jury, suggesting that collective wisdom can lead to a just decision.
17. “The burden of proof is on the prosecution. The defendant doesn’t even have to open his mouth. That’s in the Constitution.” – Juror 9
Juror 9 reminds the other jurors of the fundamental principle of “innocent until proven guilty” and the burden of proof that rests on the prosecution’s shoulders.
18. “It’s not easy for me to raise my hand and send a boy off to die without talking about it first.” – Juror 8
Juror 8’s previous quotes are repeated once again, emphasizing his internal struggle and the significance of thorough discussion.
19. “We’re talking about somebody’s life here. We can’t decide in five minutes.” – Juror 8
Juror 8’s earlier quote is reiterated, reinforcing the importance of taking the necessary time to reach a just decision.
20. “It’s always difficult to keep personal prejudice out of a thing like this.” – Juror 11
Juror 11’s previous quote is repeated here, underscoring the ongoing challenge of remaining impartial in the face of personal biases.
21. “I don’t have any personal feelings about this. I just want to talk.” – Juror 8
Juror 8’s repeated commitment to open dialogue and impartiality highlights his dedication to justice.
22. “We can throw out all the other evidence.” – Juror 8
Juror 8’s assertion challenges the weight of other evidence presented, pushing the jurors to reevaluate their assumptions.
23. “He’s had a pretty terrible sixteen years.” – Juror 8
This quote humanizes the accused and encourages the jurors to consider the impact of their decision on his life.
FAQs:
1. What is Twelve Angry Men about?
Twelve Angry Men is a play by Reginald Rose that revolves around a jury deliberating the fate of a young man accused of murder. It explores themes of justice, prejudice, and the importance of reasoned discussion.
2. Who wrote Twelve Angry Men?
Reginald Rose wrote Twelve Angry Men as a television drama in 1954. It was later adapted into a successful stage play and a critically acclaimed film.
3. Why is Twelve Angry Men considered a classic?
Twelve Angry Men is considered a classic due to its powerful portrayal of tension, conflict, and the human condition. It challenges viewers to question their own biases and highlights the significance of individual voices in the pursuit of justice.
4. How many jurors are in Twelve Angry Men?
There are twelve jurors in Twelve Angry Men, each with their distinct personalities, biases, and perspectives.
5. Why is Twelve Angry Men still relevant today?
Twelve Angry Men remains relevant today as it addresses issues of prejudice, justice, and the power of dialogue in decision-making. Its exploration of human fallibility and the impact of personal biases on judgment continues to resonate with audiences.
In conclusion, Twelve Angry Men is a masterpiece that captivates audiences with its insightful dialogue and powerful performances. The quotes listed above highlight the play’s exploration of justice, prejudice, and the importance of reasoned deliberation. Reginald Rose’s timeless classic serves as a reminder of the impact of personal biases and the value of open dialogue in the pursuit of truth and justice.
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