Literary Devices in 12 Angry Men:
1. Dialogue:
* Dominant Device: The entire play revolves around the dialogue between the jurors. This creates a tense and dynamic atmosphere, driving the plot forward through their arguments and deliberations.
* Revealing Character: Each juror's unique dialogue reveals their personality, biases, and motivations. We learn about their backgrounds, beliefs, and social positions through their speech patterns and word choices.
* Building Suspense: The dialogue skillfully builds suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as the arguments escalate and new evidence is revealed.
2. Dramatic Irony:
* The audience knows more than the characters: The audience knows the truth about the murder, but the jurors are slowly piecing together the evidence. This creates a sense of anticipation and uncertainty.
* The jurors' blind spots: The play highlights the jurors' biases and assumptions, creating dramatic irony as they struggle to see the truth beyond their own preconceived notions.
3. Symbolism:
* The Room: The confined and claustrophobic jury room symbolizes the limitations of human judgement and the potential for prejudice within a closed system.
* The Votes: The changing votes represent the gradual shift in opinion, the power of persuasion, and the impact of individual voices on a collective decision.
4. Foreshadowing:
* Juror 8's doubts: From the beginning, Juror 8's skepticism about the prosecution's case foreshadows the eventual shift in the jury's decision.
* The "reasonable doubt" theme: The phrase "reasonable doubt" is repeatedly used, foreshadowing the eventual acquittal of the defendant.
5. Characterization:
* Dynamic Characters: The jurors undergo significant transformations during the play, challenging their own beliefs and prejudices.
* Contrasting Characters: The play features a diverse cast of characters with contrasting personalities, beliefs, and backgrounds, creating conflict and tension.
* Round Characters: Many jurors are depicted as complex and multifaceted individuals, with flaws and strengths, making them more believable and relatable.
6. Theme:
* Justice and Prejudice: The play explores the complexities of justice, highlighting the dangers of prejudice, assumptions, and the need for critical thinking.
* Conformity and Individuality: The play examines the power of conformity and the courage it takes to stand up for one's beliefs, even against the majority.
7. Setting:
* The Jury Room: The confined setting of the jury room creates a sense of claustrophobia and tension, highlighting the pressure and anxiety of the jurors.
* The Time Period: The play's setting in the 1950s reflects the social and cultural context of the time, including racial tensions, class inequalities, and prevailing societal norms.
8. Other Devices:
* Flashback: The play incorporates flashbacks to the trial, providing crucial details about the case.
* Suspense: The play builds suspense through the changing votes, the constant debate, and the gradual revelation of new evidence.
* Climax: The climax of the play occurs when the jury reaches a unanimous verdict of "not guilty," marking a turning point in the story.
These are just a few of the literary devices employed in "12 Angry Men." The play skillfully uses these elements to create a compelling, thought-provoking drama that explores the human condition and the pursuit of justice.