Student Question
In Monster, why does Steve say James can't scare him?
Quick answer:
Steve realizes that James King cannot scare him because, compared to the terrifying people and experiences he faces daily in jail, James's attempts at intimidation seem trivial. Steve reflects on the nightmares, intimidating inmates, and the fear he feels from the judge and guards, concluding that a mere look from James is insignificant. He finds James's attempt to intimidate him amusing, acknowledging that jail hardens people against such minor threats.
On Thursday, July 9th, James King is brought to the holding cell across from where they entered the courthouse and is handcuffed to the bench next to Steve. Steve prays that James won't try to speak to him. James then comments that the prosecution doesn't have anything yet and asks Steve if he is thinking about cutting a deal. King curls up his lip and gives Steve an ominous stare to intimidate him. Steve then thinks about all the times he wanted to be tough like James and realizes that James is trying to scare him. Steve questions himself by mentioning, "How could he scare me?" (Myers 100). He begins to recount all of the terrifying people and experiences that surround him on an everyday basis. He thinks about the horrific nightmares he experiences, how the other inmates scare him, and the fact that the judge and guards terrify him. Steve then begins to laugh at James because he finds James' attempt to intimidate him amusing. Steve mentions,
"They do things to you in jail. You can't scare somebody with a look in here" (Myers 100).
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