Chapter 10 Summary: Friday, July 17
The tenth chapter of Monster opens with Harmon writing in his diary while awaiting the jury’s verdict. He admits that he understands now why so many inmates talk about their appeals. They want the argument over their guilt to continue. However, the system shows that the argument is over once the verdict has been delivered. He goes on to reflect on the desperation that his mother and father feel while witnessing his trial. Most of all, he considers his case and the “moral decision” he made. He finally asks, “What decisions didn’t I make?” However, he does not want to answer the question and focuses on his case, thinking how in his film he will alter his actions to make his testimony more powerful.
He returns to the courtroom after a guard informs him and King that the jury has made their decision. In fact, they have had a verdict since the morning, but the court has been waiting for the Nesbitt family to return. Back in the courtroom, O’Brien informs her client that they can appeal if the verdict is not what they want. The judge checks to make sure everyone is ready, and the trial is back in session.
As the jury enters the courtroom, a written narrative like the one at the start of Star Wars rolls slowly up the screen, recalling the first chapter of the book and the start of Harmon’s film. The message points out:
It was not the life or activity that he thought would fill every bit of his soul or change what life meant to him.
As the message plays, the judge reads the verdicts and hands them to the clerk. Meanwhile, the guards stand behind the defendants, preparing to take them into custody.
The color fades and the jury foreman reads the verdict. The audience sees James King put in handcuffs. He is taken from the courtroom. Next the audience sees Steve’s mother. Just as it seems her facial expression reveals a guilty verdict, the camera reveals the guards stepping away from Steve Harmon. He has been found not guilty.
Steve turns to embrace his lawyer, but O’Brien “stiffens and turns to pick up her papers from the table.” There is a close-up of O’Brien: her lips are tense and she leaves Harmon alone at the table. The image, black and white, slowly changes and the grain is “nearly broken. It looks like one of the pictures they use for psychological testing, or some strange beast, a monster.” The image freezes as the final words roll onto the screen: “A Steve Harmon Film.” Has Harmon gotten away with murder, or did he fail to convince his lawyer of what she wanted him to convince the jury?
Expert Q&A
Who was declared guilty at the end of Monster?
At the end of Monster, James King is declared guilty of felony murder, and Steve Harmon is acquitted.
What are the main points in O'Brien's final argument to the jury in Monster?
O'Brien's final argument to the jury in Monster highlights Steve Harmon's innocence by stating he was not involved in the robbery or murder, didn't own the gun, and wasn't in the store. She points out that key witnesses didn't see Steve give a signal and that he didn't receive any robbery profits. She discredits the testimonies of Bobo Evans and Osvaldo Cruz, portraying them as unreliable criminals seeking reduced sentences.
In "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers, what is Briggs' closing argument?
In Walter Dean Myers's Monster, Briggs's closing argument asserts that the prosecution's witnesses, Bobo Evans and Osvaldo Cruz, are unreliable as they testified to receive lighter sentences. He highlights the lack of hard evidence and credible witnesses, urging the jury to dismiss the tainted testimonies and consider the reasonable doubt in convicting his client, James King.
Why was Mr. Sawicki an important witness for Steve Harmon's defense in Monster?
Mr. Sawicki was a crucial witness for Steve Harmon's defense as he provided a credible and sympathetic portrayal of Steve. As Steve's film teacher and mentor, Sawicki testified to Steve's intelligence, sensitivity, and honesty, countering the negative stereotypes associated with the other accused individuals. His testimony helped the jury see Steve as an honorable young man, distinct from the actual criminals, thus supporting Steve's defense effectively.
Summarize Petrocelli's closing argument in Monster about Steve and King's guilt.
Petrocelli argues that both Steve and James are guilty of felony murder in Monster because they made the moral decision to participate in the botched robbery. Regardless of their roles, both individuals willingly participated in the crime. She argues that the testimonies of her reputable witnesses also match the testimonies of the State's criminal witnesses. Petrocelli then explains how the defense attorneys are attempting to distance their clients from the crime.
What are three key points Petrocelli makes in her closing argument?
Sandra Petrocelli's closing argument emphasizes three key points: First, she urges the jury to focus on the facts of the case rather than the character of the witnesses, stressing the brutal murder of Alguinaldo Nesbitt. Second, she highlights the corroborated testimonies of three witnesses confirming James King's presence and the theft of cigarettes, aligning with Bobo's account. Third, she argues Steve Harmon's conscious involvement in the crime, holding him accountable for Nesbitt's death.
How did Kathy O'Brien defend Steve Harmon in Monster?
Kathy O'Brien defends Steve Harmon by portraying him as a naive teenager who was unwittingly involved in the crime. She emphasizes his character by calling his film teacher, Mr. Sawicki, who testifies to Steve's good nature. O'Brien advises Steve to show his anxiety to appear genuine and argues that the prosecution has not proven his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. She distinguishes Steve from the more culpable Bobo and King, highlighting his honesty and innocence.
How long did the jury deliberate in Monster and what was Steve doing?
The jury in Walter Dean Myers's Monster deliberated for five days. During this time, Steve Harmon was consumed with thoughts about the upcoming verdict, his movie script, and the life decisions he had made. He also contemplated the possibility of an appeal if found guilty. Ultimately, Steve was found not guilty.
Why is Ms. O'Brien's cross examination of Osvaldo strong in Monster by Walter Dean Myers?
Ms. O'Brien's cross-examination of Osvaldo is strong because she effectively discredits his testimony by revealing his true character. Although the prosecution presents Osvaldo as a sympathetic figure coerced into crime, Ms. O'Brien exposes him as a street-wise gang member who joined a gang through violent initiation rituals. Her skillful questioning reveals Osvaldo's motives and inconsistencies, undermining his credibility and reducing the impact of his testimony against her client, Steve Harmon.
Why did the defense have Ms. Moore testify in Monster?
How does the author depict the courtroom's tone in Monster?
The author depicts the courtroom's tone as formal and strategic, with lawyers adopting businesslike manners that mask their true feelings. Initially, the judge and lawyers discuss personal topics, but the atmosphere shifts to a more serious tone when the jury enters. Lawyers aim to influence the jury, using highbrow language to contrast the young defendants as uneducated delinquents. The strategic language and demeanor reveal underlying motives, with Steve's lawyer subtly expressing disbelief in his innocence.
Why does Steve believe the prosecution is showcasing witnesses with poor character in Monster?
Steve thinks the prosecution is calling witnesses with bad character in front of the jury in Monster because Osvaldo Cruz is only testifying against Steve so he can get a full acquittal. Once Steve's lawyers question Cruz, we find out how about his gang affiliation and his violent streak. We discover that Cruz is lying and that he has no need to fear the other three boys. We discover Cruz's "bad character."
What does Osvaldo testify in Monster and who is involved?
In Monster, Osvaldo says on the witness stand that Bobo approached him and told him that he had a place lined up for a robbery. Osvaldo would stand outside and slow anyone down who came after them. He'd do this by pushing a garbage can in front of them. James King would go into the store and commit the actual robbery, while Steve Harmon would act as the lookout.
What is the second point Briggs makes in his closing statement to defend King?
The second point Briggs makes in his closing statement is about Miss Henry, the only witness in the store before the crime. Briggs argues that her attention was on her granddaughter and that she was influenced by police to identify James King from photos. He suggests she did not actually see King in the store, implying that King was unfairly targeted by the police.
Describe Bobo's courtroom behavior in Monster.
Bobo's courtroom demeanor is nonchalant and indifferent, reflecting his familiarity with the criminal justice system. Having secured a plea deal to reduce his sentence, he is unconcerned about his image or the trial's outcome. This is evident in his choice to wear an orange prison jumpsuit rather than a suit, signaling that despite cooperating with authorities, he maintains his gangster persona, conscious of his prison reputation.
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