Document Type : Conference Paper
Abstract
This study examines the rhetorical strategies employed specifically by juror 8 in 12 Angry Men movie to persuade and influence the other 11 jurors during jury deliberations. It aims to explore the effectiveness of Juror 8's methodological approach in persuading the jury to change their verdict, examining the structure of each argument presented and their overlapping with the rhetorical strategies of logos, ethos, and pathos. It aims to show how the shift in the group’s collective opinion from guilty verdict to a not guilty decision is made. The study hypothesizes that Juror 8’s successful utilization of logical reasoning, emotional appeal, and credibility plays a central role in altering the jury’s perspective. Additionally, it suggests that while juror 8 relies sometimes on emotional appeals, it is the sustained and rational discourse presented by a trustworthy character that ultimately drives the change. The research is going to employ argumentation theory (particularly the Toulmin Model and Aristotle’s Rhetorical theory) to analyze how juror 8 constructs his position and defends justice.
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