Themes: The Dehumanizing Effects of Racial Prejudice
Kathy O’Brien, Steve’s lawyer, tells him that half the jury will assume that he is guilty as soon as they see him because they automatically associate young Black men with criminal behavior. This has been precisely the attitude of Detective Karyl, who arrested Steve. Karyl says that he hopes Steve will receive the death penalty, a very extreme statement to make to a sixteen-year-old boy who was clearly not involved in any violence. Sandra Petrocelli continues this dehumanizing behavior by immediately labeling Steve a “monster,” and the prejudice is further reinforced by the preponderance of Black and Latino men in prison with Steve.
The Black characters in the novel internalize the prejudice against them, a process shown most fully in Steve’s growing acceptance that he must be a monster because everybody regards him as one. This effect is greatly exacerbated by his time in prison, where the prisoners are treated as less than human. The prison guards place bets on the length of Steve’s sentence and jeeringly ask him to join in. This process takes such a toll on Steve that even when he is finally acquitted, he has come to think of himself as an inhuman monster, despite having done nothing to deserve this designation.
Expert Q&A
What are some examples of racist quotes in the novel "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers?
In Monster by Walter Dean Myers, examples of racism include Detective Karyl's eagerness for Steve's conviction despite his age, and Lorella Harris's reluctance to testify against another African American. Kathy O'Brien's refusal to hug Steve after his acquittal also reflects racial prejudice. Additionally, Johnny's comment about robbing immigrants and O'Brien's remark on jurors' biases against Steve highlight underlying racism.
How does race impact the novel Monster?
Race significantly impacts the novel by influencing how characters perceive Steve Harmon, a young African American on trial for murder. His lawyer and the prosecution highlight racial biases, suggesting that jurors may presume Steve's guilt due to his race. The term "monster" used by the prosecutor further dehumanizes him. Despite Steve's claims of innocence, racial prejudice complicates his defense and connects him to the crime, reflecting systemic racial inequalities in the justice system.
How does Miss O'Brien combat racial prejudice during Steve Harmon's trial in Monster?
Miss O'Brien combats racial prejudice during Steve Harmon's trial by focusing on portraying him as more than just "a Black criminal from Harlem." She emphasizes distancing Steve from James King and his associates, presenting him as a distinct individual. Her strategy includes discrediting prosecution witnesses and using character witnesses like George Sawicki to highlight Steve's positive attributes. O'Brien's approach aims to humanize Steve and counteract racial biases that could influence the jury's perception.
Why is Steve disturbed by his similarity to other detainees?
Steve is disturbed by his resemblance to other detainees because he fears it reinforces stereotypes that could influence the jury to see him as guilty. While mopping floors with fellow inmates, he realizes their similarities and panics, reflecting on his lawyer's need to distinguish him from the others. This moment highlights a theme in the novel about how young minorities are often unfairly stereotyped and presumed guilty in the criminal justice system.
In the novel Monster by Walter Dean Myers, how is Steve dehumanized?
In "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers, Steve Harmon is dehumanized through his portrayal in the judicial system and by society. He is labeled a "monster" by the prosecutor and treated as voiceless and insignificant. His attorney shows little personal interest, and Steve is left to question his identity amid prejudice due to his race and socio-economic status. In prison, he is further dehumanized by a violent environment, reinforcing his struggle with self-perception.
What is the relevance of the idea in this quote from Monster by Walter Dean Myers?
"My job is to make sure the law works for you as well as against you, and to make you a human being in the eyes of the jury."
The quote highlights O'Brien's focus on winning Steve's case by manipulating the law to his advantage, regardless of his innocence. Her strategy involves humanizing Steve to gain jury sympathy, emphasizing the legal system's focus on "not guilty" verdicts over actual innocence. This reflects the complexity and sometimes moral ambiguity of legal defense, where the aim is to use the law effectively rather than solely seeking truth or justice.
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