Chapter 11 Summary: December, 5 Months Later
The final chapter of Monster takes place five months after the trial and almost a year after the murder of Mr. Alguinaldo Nesbitt. Harmon writes in his notes that James King was sentenced to twenty-five years to life. Osvaldo Cruz, the fourteen-year-old member of the Diablos and the person meant to interrupt any pursuit of the robbery, went on to steal a car, for which he was arrested and sent to a reformatory. To the best of Harmon’s knowledge, Richard “Bobo” Evans remains in prison.
During the trial, Steve Harmon recorded everything to make into a film. Since the trial, he has been making films, though he admits that his mother does not understand what he is doing. The films Harmon has been making have all been about himself. He talks to the camera and explains who he is and what he thinks he is. At times, he just tapes himself walking toward the camera from a variety of angles. At other times, he tapes a reflection of himself. He wears different clothes and speaks in different voices. Sometimes Steve lets his younger brother, Jerry, hold the camera because it makes him happy. Although his mother does not understand what he is doing, Steve says she is happy to have her son at home.
Steve’s mother is happy to have her son at home, but his father has not been the same since the trial. Harmon explains that he and his father hugged after the not-guilty verdict was read at his trial; after they parted, a distance formed between them, and this distance has only increased. Harmon knows that when his father looks at him, he cannot tell who his son is. Harmon explains that his father cannot even understand why his son would know people like Richard “Bobo” Evans, James King, or Osvaldo Cruz. If he does not know that, what else does he not know?
Steve Harmon films himself because he does not know who he is either. He explains that he is looking for the part of him that caused O’Brien to turn away from him at the end of his trial. Did she see a monster? Her response recalls an earlier statement in the novel. When asked whether he would win, O’Brien responds that it “probably depends what you mean by ‘win.’” If Harmon was indeed involved in the robbery, he has gotten away with murder in the eyes of the law. When she looked at Harmon, did she see a monster? The novel closes with Harmon’s unanswered question, “What did she see?”
Expert Q&A
What is O'Brien's reaction to Steve's attempt to hug her in Monster?
In Monster, O'Brien's reaction when Steve opens his arms to give her a hug is to stiffen and turn away. O'Brien views him with fear and contempt when he attempts to give her a hug. She sees him as a monster who has gotten away with murder, and she is appalled to be in his presence.
Why is Briggs upset about Bobo's prison uniform in Monster?
In Monster, Briggs is upset that Bobo is dressed in a prison uniform in Monster because he believes that this will prejudice the jury against him.
In Monster, why did Steve's father act strangely towards him at the book's end?
Steve's father acts strangely towards him at the end of "Monster" because he struggles to reconcile his son's involvement in the trial. Although Steve is found not guilty, his father can't comprehend Steve associating with people like James King or Bobo Evans. This disconnect leads to a change in their relationship, as Steve's father no longer recognizes him, viewing Steve as a stranger despite the verdict.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.