Blog #5: The Runaway Jury

Quote 1

“Dear Mr. Fitch: Tomorrow, juror number two, Easter, will wear a grey pullover golf shirt with red trim, starched khakis, white socks, and brown leather shoes, lace-up.”

This is a letter from Marlee to Mr. Rankin Fitch. This quote contributes to character development because it shows that Marlee could have pull within the jury. This is the first message of many phone calls and meetings between these two characters. The decisions that they make contribute largely to the outcome of the court case.

Quote 2

“No. Because you’re tracing the call. And if you keep tracing the calls, I’ll stop calling.”

This is a part of one of the phone conversations between Rankin Fitch and Marlee. It shows what Mr. Fitch’s intentions are because he really wants to find this girl. It also shows that Marlee is no slouch and understands that these calls are being traced.

Quote 3

“Mornin’, Colonel,” Nicholas said warmly. “You’re here early.”

This is Nicholas Easter greeting another member of the jury as he walks in the door. It shows that Mr. Easter is very friendly and could be trying to win the hearts of the jury. He would gain their respect and be able to create a verdict based on what he would think and say.

Quote 4

Shortly after they reached their house, she had Judge Harkin on the phone, and gave him an earful of her thoughts on these most recent developments. Her husband was blind, she reminded him more than once, and he needed special assistance. Herman sat on the sofa, drinking his one beer of the day and fuming at his wife’s intrusion.

This excerpt from the novel shows character development for three characters. It shows that Mrs. Grimes is a strong woman who will not lay down when she wants to voice her opinion. It also shows that she has to care for her husband more then normally as he is blind and needs assistance. It shows that Herman, although grateful for his wife’s help, does not like her stepping in and voicing such a strong opinion. The next excerpt fallowing this one is Judge Harkin giving the okay for Mrs. Grimes to be with Herman in the Hotel in order to assist him. This shows that Judge Harkin is fair and compassionate and most likely will be able to judge a fair trial.




Quote 5

“Oh hell, Judge, what’s the big deal?” he blurted. “These folks aren’t carrying plastic explosives.”

This is the lawyer who is fighting the tobacco company and he is saying this to Judge Harkin. Judge Harkin ordered to have the juries bags searched because they were all to be staying at a hotel for the duration of the case. When Nicholas Easter arrived he refused to let the guards search his bags and then told everybody else that their privacy should be kept and they all fallowed suit. This shows that the jury looks to Mr. Easter for guidance or for somebody with sense and knowledge to confide in. He is beginning to win the jury over which is pivotal in the plot.