ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => VCE English Studies => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE English & EAL => Topic started by: brenden on October 13, 2014, 09:36:39 pm

Title: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: brenden on October 13, 2014, 09:36:39 pm
Hey guys. I'm actually not tutoring any 12AM students this year so I figured I may as well just upload all of my resources into this thread over the next few days. I'll put up essays and stuff like that, so keep checking back.

The file I'm putting up tonight is basically 20+ pages of the annotations I made when I was in Year 12. Keep in mind this was March 2012, well before the exam, so not everything in here is correct or anything like that - I had a lot of practice left to do (that being said, I did make some minor changes in 2013 to make sure not everything was horrible). I do think it will be really really helpful to a lot of people though, so if you're writing on Twelve Angry Men on the exam or considering it, please download and make use of them :)

The file "TAM essay" is a random essay on my computer. By the looks of things I wrote it really early on, possibly for SAC preparation. It isn't intended as an example of a high-scoring essay - it's just up here for ideas and quotes and stuff.

The file "20 out of 20..." is an essay re-written from memory of my exam script. I ordered an inspection of scripts after my exams and, whilst you're not allowed to photocopy it or anything like that, there's nothing stopping you from remembering it word for word and producing it later :). It has many mistakes in it, most of which were made in the exam, some of which might have been made from lazy typing. Either way, this is probably like... 95% correct to exactly what was written in my exam (incorrect quotes included).

The file "Section A Intro Structure" is just a really quick, basic structure I typed up before a text response lesson this year. It's not intended as teaching material - I type it up to have a reference for students to look at as I taught them verbally. Regardless, it might be interesting to different structures to what you've been taught and stuff.
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: Anchy on October 13, 2014, 10:06:50 pm
Thank you! :) :) :)
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: brenden on October 13, 2014, 11:35:05 pm
Thank you! :) :) :)
Thanks for these, so much detail.
You're welcome!! :)
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: Camo15 on October 14, 2014, 08:49:51 am
Thanks for these, so much detail.
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: auds on October 14, 2014, 05:39:34 pm
This is so helpful, thank you so much!
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: metalfingers on October 14, 2014, 06:44:04 pm
thanks a lot for these, i look forward to the rest of your resources
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: brenden on October 14, 2014, 08:15:22 pm
You're welcome guys!

Added some other random stuff. Tried to upload some essays by PDF but files are too large, so that's annoying. Don't think there's anything on the desktop that I haven't uploaded, will check the laptop later.
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: myanacondadont on October 14, 2014, 08:37:11 pm
That's some high quality stuff! Thankyou!
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: brenden on October 16, 2014, 11:31:02 am
Also, if you wanted to discuss Twelve Angry Men with each other/myself, feel free to do it here, I'll do my best to answer all 12AM questions directed at me :)
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: Jason12 on October 16, 2014, 08:08:33 pm
would you say juror 8 is definitely on the boy's side (as he goes out to buy the knife) or is he just trying to give him the fairest trial he can?
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: brenden on October 16, 2014, 08:35:56 pm
would you say juror 8 is definitely on the boy's side (as he goes out to buy the knife) or is he just trying to give him the fairest trial he can?
As in, does J8 believe he's innocent?
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: Jason12 on October 17, 2014, 11:21:29 pm
As in, does J8 believe he's innocent?

yes
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: brenden on October 18, 2014, 12:01:32 am
That's probably one of the bigger questions I thought about but I ultimately believe J8 was just doing his job. He explains to the jurors that some things just didn't add up and there were certain things he would have liked asked but the defence attorney was too stupid. I believe J8's experience in court was definitely enough for him to start asking firm, pertinent questions within the jury room without the belief the boy is innocent. Further, even if you wanted to say he is untrustworthy in his dialogue because of his manipulation, can stage direction be untrustworthy? In the wash room and at the play's denouement J8 has a moment of self reflection that was written purely to demonstrate that he was unconcinced of the boy's innocence. Those are what seal it for me. 
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: soNasty on October 28, 2014, 12:47:38 pm
Hi all,

Am i able to quote words used in the blurb of the book? Such as: The 'ambiguous' prosecution evidence, and the 'ingenious revers[al]' of attitudes towards the 'young delinquent' on trial.

Also, I really enjoy trying to tear apart words/quotes in the play to portray the 3rd juror in a positive light. Where juror 10 announces that he, juror 3, and juror 4 should 'just quit', juror 3 responds by overtly questioning his intentions, and alludes to the 'oath' juror 10 swore by in court. Furthermore, juror 3 asserts that juror 10 might as well vote 'not guilty' than deliberate 'dishonest[ly]'.

Could this signify that not only does juror 3 have an emotional attachment to the case, but also an unforeseen loyalty to decide upon a verdict? The stark xenophobic attitudes of juror 10 have caused him to dismiss the case's entirety, as he is repelled by the boys socio-economic background, asseverating that he does not wish to 'break [his] brains over scum like that'. In doing so, Rose portrays that the 3rd juror values honesty, above and beyond the bigoted juror's attempt to alter the case in accordance to his prejudicial beliefs.

Is that even right?
How would I conclude that to holistically mention Rose's intended message????

THANKS :D
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: brenden on October 28, 2014, 01:00:32 pm
Am i able to quote words used in the blurb of the book? Such as: The 'ambiguous' prosecution evidence, and the 'ingenious revers[al]' of attitudes towards the 'young delinquent' on trial.
Well, you could if you wanted to, but it wouldn't do anything for you, as those quotes wouldn't be hitting the criteria :) (so, you probably shouldn't bother).

Also, I really enjoy trying to tear apart words/quotes in the play to portray the 3rd juror in a positive light. Where juror 10 announces that he, juror 3, and juror 4 should 'just quit', juror 3 responds by overtly questioning his intentions, and alludes to the 'oath' juror 10 swore by in court. Furthermore, juror 3 asserts that juror 10 might as well vote 'not guilty' than deliberate 'dishonest[ly]'.

Could this signify that not only does juror 3 have an emotional attachment to the case, but also an unforeseen loyalty to decide upon a verdict? The stark xenophobic attitudes of juror 10 have caused him to dismiss the case's entirety, as he is repelled by the boys socio-economic background, asseverating that he does not wish to 'break [his] brains over scum like that'. In doing so, Rose portrays that the 3rd juror values honesty, above and beyond the bigoted juror's attempt to alter the case in accordance to his prejudicial beliefs.

Is that even right?
How would I conclude that to holistically mention Rose's intended message????
You could definitely make an argument that Third Juror isn't portrayed in a completely negative light! I wouldn't go as far as to say he's portrayed positively (I know you're not saying this but it really needs to be stressed lol) - but you could definitely say that evidences Third Juror's value of honesty. If you were talking about how Third Juror is portrayed as a stereotype of masculinity, you could even use the idea of forthright honesty to back you up. Further, you could even use it to reinforce how invested he is in the case - he doesn't only want the boy killed, he wants him found guilty, because thats better reconciles his belief that his son is at fault.

As to how you'd conclude it mentioning Rose's intended message - well, it would depend upon what you were saying Rose's message was, so it's hard for me to help you on that one without some more information :P
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: metalfingers on October 28, 2014, 01:09:37 pm
hey ned, i've been reading your annotations religiously over the past few days (thankyou, once again) and was wondering if using language/phrases like you've written such as 'tricolon', 'symmetrical rhythm of the language' and 'repetition' in the essay would be looked upon favourably, or would it be delving too much into analysis?
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: brenden on October 28, 2014, 01:36:24 pm
hey ned, i've been reading your annotations religiously over the past few days (thankyou, once again) and was wondering if using language/phrases like you've written such as 'tricolon', 'symmetrical rhythm of the language' and 'repetition' in the essay would be looked upon favourably, or would it be delving too much into analysis?
Well, I'm a little bias towards saying it would be answered favourably because I'm pretty excited by language patterns and rhythms etc... but I do think it would come off well in your essay if it was used well - there's not really such a thing as delving too much into analysis (but there is such a thing as aiming to integrate analysis into an essay, missing the mark and failing to hit any of the criteria because you're talking about something irrelevant and failing to properly relate it to anything worthwhile).

Used well, I think there is a place for language analysis to be used favourably - but don't go overboard.
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: metalfingers on October 28, 2014, 01:51:34 pm
Well, I'm a little bias towards saying it would be answered favourably because I'm pretty excited by language patterns and rhythms etc... but I do think it would come off well in your essay if it was used well - there's not really such a thing as delving too much into analysis (but there is such a thing as aiming to integrate analysis into an essay, missing the mark and failing to hit any of the criteria because you're talking about something irrelevant and failing to properly relate it to anything worthwhile).

Used well, I think there is a place for language analysis to be used favourably - but don't go overboard.
thanks for that, yes i certainly wouldn't go overboard and turn the text response into a language analysis - but i figure something as simple as mentioning his use of repetition in passing wouldn't hurt
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: auds on October 28, 2014, 02:45:56 pm
What would you say Rose is trying to say through the depiction of the Foreman and Juror 6?? I  can only think of J6's importance in that he acts like some sort of check for J8, causing him to be certain in his opinion.
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: brenden on October 28, 2014, 03:22:13 pm
What would you say Rose is trying to say through the depiction of the Foreman and Juror 6?? I  can only think of J6's importance in that he acts like some sort of check for J8, causing him to be certain in his opinion.
Juror 6 can also embody the superficial reasoning that has no place in a jury room :).
"Nice bunch of guys" (shitty reasoning)
"I'm not used to supposing. My boss does the supposing" (or something of that ilk)
"I'm a house painter" (symbol for superficial reasoning, 'surface' reasoning).

He can also be good in some ways that I shaped a whole interpretation around but I've actually forgotten tbh :P

Foreman's always an interesting one. Maybe Rose criticise the role altogether. Maybe its part of an overarching criticism of the justice system that different rules/regulations have a disproportionate impact on the verdict (role of the lawyers, role of the foreman)... Maybe he's there to highlight that 8th is just a blatantly good leader.
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: metalfingers on October 28, 2014, 03:29:35 pm
Juror 6 can also embody the superficial reasoning that has no place in a jury room :).
"Nice bunch of guys" (shitty reasoning)
"I'm not used to supposing. My boss does the supposing" (or something of that ilk)
"I'm a house painter" (symbol for superficial reasoning, 'surface' reasoning).

He can also be good in some ways that I shaped a whole interpretation around but I've actually forgotten tbh :P

Foreman's always an interesting one. Maybe Rose criticise the role altogether. Maybe its part of an overarching criticism of the justice system that different rules/regulations have a disproportionate impact on the verdict (role of the lawyers, role of the foreman)... Maybe he's there to highlight that 8th is just a blatantly good leader.
a further question - could i be accurate in saying that one of Rose's intentions is for the jury to be seen as one whole man (or a member of the audience), and that each of the 12 jurors represent the various personalities, beliefs and ideas that one man (or the audience as the '13th juror') can hold?

 it seems to me the audience can 'align themselves' with different aspects of each of the jurors (rather than just to solely juror eight) - juror 3's personal bias, juror 5's empathy, juror 7's lack of caring & dominate self interest, juror 12's busy & hurried nature etc. etc. everybody has these qualities within them to varying degrees... etc. etc. it is these vast differences that make democracy tick (as opposed to communism where society is ideally classless and similar in nature)
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: soNasty on October 28, 2014, 03:32:49 pm
Could we assume that rose uses the foreman to characterise the individuals with power who failed/were unable to overrule McCarthyism in the 1950's? As in, they possessed power, but their abilities were hindered by those plagued with xenophobic and radical attitudes?
Title: Re: Twelve Angry Men Exam Notes
Post by: brenden on October 28, 2014, 04:25:10 pm
a further question - could i be accurate in saying that one of Rose's intentions is for the jury to be seen as one whole man (or a member of the audience), and that each of the 12 jurors represent the various personalities, beliefs and ideas that one man (or the audience as the '13th juror') can hold?

 it seems to me the audience can 'align themselves' with different aspects of each of the jurors (rather than just to solely juror eight) - juror 3's personal bias, juror 5's empathy, juror 7's lack of caring & dominate self interest, juror 12's busy & hurried nature etc. etc. everybody has these qualities within them to varying degrees... etc. etc. it is these vast differences that make democracy tick (as opposed to communism where society is ideally classless and similar in nature)
The word you're looking for is microcosm :). The jury could be a microcosm for society, yes :)