Plot & Conflict
Where does the play take place?
In a jury room during deliberation.
Which juror stands alone at the beginning?
Juror 8.
Who claimed they heard the boy yell, “I’m going to kill you”?
The old man.
Is shouting an example of logic or emotion?
Emotion.
What is the theme of the play?
although the jury system is flawed, justice can still be achieved
What is the main conflict of the play?
Whether the boy is guilty or not guilty.
Which juror is most emotional and angry?
Juror 3
Why does Juror 8 question the old man’s testimony?
Because of the noise of the train and pacing
When Juror 8 recreates the knife angle, is that logic or emotion?
Logic.
What one word explains what prevents justice when jurors rely on personal feelings instead of facts?
bias
What is the first major turning point in the plot?
Juror 8 votes “not guilty” in the first vote.
Which 2 jurors use logic and careful thinking?
Juror 8 (also Juror 4 later).
What detail makes the woman’s testimony questionable?
She may not have been wearing her glasses in bed.
When Juror 10 makes racist comments, is that logic or emotion?
Emotion / Bias.
Why is it ironic that Juror 3 accuses the boy of being violent?
He behaves violently himself. (contradiction)
Why is the second vote important?
Another juror changes their vote, showing doubt is spreading.
Which juror just wants to leave quickly for a baseball game?
Juror 7
Why is the timing of the old man reaching the door important?
It proves he may not have walked fast enough
Why is separating facts from opinions important?
It helps make fair decisions.
What symbolism represents the increase in tension in the play?
Heat
How does the broken knife affect the plot?
It creates reasonable doubt by proving the knife isn’t unique.
Why is Juror 3’s final outburst ironic?
He shouts “I’ll kill him!” while arguing the boy is violent.
What is the strongest idea Juror 8 repeats throughout the play?
The boy deserves reasonable doubt.
How does emotion almost lead to an unfair verdict?
Jurors let personal anger and prejudice influence them.
What one word describes the unfair assumptions that nearly lead to a guilty verdict?
Prejudice