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  • Essay / Literary Analysis of Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose

    Literary devices are the foundation of any written work, they establish a connection between the writer and the reader through language. Details emphasized by literary devices reinforce the conflict within the text and often serve to refer to real-life issues. In Reginald Rose's screenplay, Twelve Angry Men, the story of the jury's life or death choice and highlighted prejudices is told using images and metaphors. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayRose uses imagery in describing the jury room in a literal and atmospheric way to illustrate the burden of the twelve jurors. Despite having decided a man's life, several jurors do not deem the case worthy of debate, considering it open and shut. “We don’t owe him anything. He had a fair trial, didn't he? disinterest when discussing the case defines the casual attitude of some jurors. It is clear that the variety Rose creates among the jury brings opposing opinions, further developing the conflict of the story. The characters' personalities also present the difficulty of being open-minded and impartial when facing the law. Juror 10 believes that there is no reason why he should have to spend his time in a small, uncomfortable room for someone he does not know personally. Additionally, metaphors can expand on a concept, creating a comparison between two topics. Rose uses this literary device to address real situations by introducing them into the storyline. One of the metaphors being the heat in the room, it symbolizes the tension between the jurors and is a variation of the saying "it's hot in here", without saying it point blank. Another metaphor is that of the locked jury room door, symbolizing how jurors are trapped physically and figuratively, due to their own responsibilities and stubborn opinions. “You come here with your heart bleeding all over the floor from slum kids and injustice and you make up all these crazy stories, and you have tender-hearted old ladies listening to you. Well, I'm tired of it! What's wrong with you people? The kid is guilty! Although most of the jurors are now invested in discussing the case, Juror 3 is firmly committed to his original opinion and refuses to hear anything else. Juror 3 also uses its own metaphor, accusing Juror 8 of being too sentimental. Rose points out that instead of sitting down and engaging in serious, polite conversation, Juror 3 lets his anger get the better of him and prolongs the final verdict because his personal opinions are clouding his judgment, even though he wants to end it. mind: This is just a sample.Get a custom paper from our expert writers now.Get a custom essayLiterary devices draw on a writer's story and ideas and provide a better understanding of meanings text. Reginald Rose uses images and metaphors to express the prejudice and intensity that surrounds the justice system. This writing technique enhances the telling of a story by developing themes and concepts that the reader can analyze while adding depth to literary works. Works Cited Rose, Reginald. Twelve angry men. Chicago Drama Editions., 1957.