Monster
By: Walter Dean Myers
Monster is about a sixteen year old boy named Steve Harmon. He is on trial for murder for allegedly being the lookout for two men who robbed a Harlem, NY drugstore and killed the store owner. The novel is written from Steve’s viewpoint using a screenplay format to transcribe the trial testimony, then switching to a personal journal perspective whenever he’s in prison. In his journal entries, Steve expresses how surreal he feels during the trial knowing he faces the possibility of life in prison.
The novel opens on Monday July 6th with Steve waking up in prison and being extremely frightened. He explains things he has learned about prison, like how the best time to cry is at night while inmates fight and scream for help to cover up your cries. He says that if you show weakness in prison it will get you beaten up. Steve still doesn’t understand why he is in prison. He feels that there wasn’t and never will be anything wrong with walking into a drugstore and looking around. He testifies that it was just a mere coincidence that he was in the store on the same day two men from his neighborhood, Bobo Evans and James King, robbed the store and killed the owner. Steve is a co-defendant on trial with James.
During the trial Steve’s defense attorney’s strategy is based on trying to prove his true character, and show the jury that he is not a monster, but rather a sixteen year old boy in the wrong place at the wrong time. Several witnesses testified, some with the belief that Steve was innocent, while others believing he was guilty.
The Term Paper on Monster by Sanyika Shakur
The book Monster by Sanyika Shakur is the story of one gang member’s life of crime growing up in a crime ridden neighbourhood outside Los Angeles. Then known as Kody Scott but given the name Monster by his fellow gang members because of his vicious and ruthless acts of violence, Shakur relates a life of crime that started at adolescence and escalated quickly. He relates to the reader that the only ...
Osvaldo Cruz , another boy from Steve’s neighborhood, is presented as a prosecution witness. He explained to the jury that he knows Steve was involved in the robbery because Osvlado himself was forced by Bobo to participate. Osvlado then contradicts himself on cross examination by testifying that he did not see Steve give a signal to Bobo and James to enter the drugstore. He admits that Steve could have just been an ordinary customer at the drugstore.
When Bobo is called to the stand, he explains Steve’s role in the robbery. He said that Steve gave a sign letting him and James know everything inside checked out. However, when cross-examined, Bobo admits that a sign was not actually given but that he assumed that it was alright. He admits Steve didn’t give any signal at all, good or bad.
Mr. Sawicki, one of Steve’s teachers, testifies about Steve’s true character. He tells the jury that Steve is a wonderful student and an honest person. However, the prosecution points out that Mr. Sawicki’s testimony isn’t credible because he is not aware of Steve’s home life. Steve’s final journal entry occurs on the night before the verdict is announced. Steve explains how nervous he is about being told his fate.
On Friday July 17th, the jury finds Steve not guilty. The novel concludes five months after the trial ends. Steve now shoots films of himself so he can get a better understanding of who he is. He tries to see himself as others see him. Steve says he will use the films when he is older to help him reflect on and understand his past.
The unique format of the book allows the reader to have a special inside view of the trial, as well as Steve’s personal thoughts. It truly tells the reader the journey of a sixteen year old boy on trial for murder.
Nailah Harris
