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Saiban   By:

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Saiban by Elmer Rice is a gripping courtroom drama that delves into the complexities of justice, ethics, and the human condition. Set in the bustling city of New York during the early 20th century, this thought-provoking play takes readers on a journey through the judicial system, exposing its flaws and shedding light on the individuals involved.

The story follows a young lawyer, Jim Dunham, who finds himself defending a man accused of murder. As the trial progresses, it becomes evident that Rice's depiction of the courtroom is not solely concerned with the case at hand, but rather acts as a microcosm of society. Through the intertwined stories of the witnesses, jurors, and lawyers, the author exposes the biases, corruption, and manipulations often present in the criminal justice system.

Rice's play is a masterful exploration of morality and truth. He expertly crafts complex and multidimensional characters, demonstrating the gray areas of human behavior. The reader is compelled to question their own values as they are confronted with characters who possess both admirable virtues and deep flaws. This balance creates a sense of realism, forcing readers to confront their own biases and judgments.

Moreover, Saiban delves into the themes of class divide and inequality. Rice cleverly highlights the disparities between the wealthy, who can afford expensive legal representation, and the underprivileged, who often suffer from inadequate defense. This social commentary adds depth to the narrative, prompting readers to reflect on the inherent flaws in a system that favors the privileged few.

The pacing of the play is relentless, with each act revealing new layers of intrigue and suspense. Rice's writing style is engaging and precise, captivating the reader from beginning to end. He skillfully weaves together dialogue, inner monologues, and the use of symbolism to create a rich and immersive reading experience.

While Saiban was written in the early 20th century, its themes and messages remain strikingly relevant in the modern era. It serves as a reminder that justice can be elusive, often dependent on personal biases and circumstantial evidence. Through its exploration of the human condition, the play forces readers to confront their own perceptions and beliefs, leaving a lasting impact long after the final page.

In conclusion, Saiban is a powerful courtroom drama that challenges readers to question the very foundations of justice. Elmer Rice's masterful storytelling and compelling characters create a thought-provoking narrative that transcends time. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the legal system and its impact on society.

First Page:

Title: 裁判(Saiban) Author: Elmer Rice Translator: 林清俊(Kiyotoshi Hayashi) Character set encoding: UTF 8

Notes on the signs in the text

《...》 shows ruby (short runs of text alongside the base text to indicate pronunciation). Eg. 其《そ》

裁判 エルマー・ライス

各場面概要

プロローグ 法廷

第一幕 第一場 一九一三年六月二十四日午後九時三十分 ジェラルド・トラスク家の     書斎 第二場 法廷

第二幕 第一場 法廷 第二場 一九一三年六月二十四日午後七時三十分 ロバート・ストリックラン     ド家の居間 第三場 法廷

裁判二日目 第三幕 第一場 法廷 第二場 十三年前、ロング・アイランドのホテルの一室 第三場 法廷

エピローグ 第一場 陪審室 第二場 法廷

――――

いずれの幕も観客が席に着いてから幕を開けることが肝要。 第一幕と第二幕のあいだには五分間隔を置くこと。 第二幕と第三幕のあいだには九分間隔を置くこと。 第三幕とエピローグのあいだには五分間隔を置く... Continue reading book >>




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