Themes: The Injustice of the Justice System
It is clear throughout the novel that the criminal justice system in which Steve is embroiled is far from being a dispassionate endeavor to ascertain the truth and ensure that justice is done. Instead, it is characterized by a series of dubious deals in which the worst criminals are able to escape punishment by lying and gaming the system. Steve’s innocence about how this system works is one of his chief disadvantages during the trial.
From the moment that Steve is arrested, it is clear that he is caught in an inhumane system that is set up to “process” suspects whose guilt is already assumed rather than to conscientiously investigate what happened. There is a deadly mixture of zeal for victory—represented by Karyl and Petrocelli, who view a conviction as a good result for them personally—along with boredom and indifference on the part of many others involved, from the Judge downwards. The Judge is an old man who, while not actively corrupt, has been through the same process so many times that he regards the trial as a tediously repetitive process rather than the matter of life and death it really is. No one inside the justice system appears to have any concern for justice. They all appear to have forgotten, if they ever knew, that justice is the ostensible aim of the motions they are all going through.
Expert Q&A
What is the theme of the book Monster?
The primary theme of Walter Dean Myers' Monster is the dehumanizing impact of the criminal justice system on young minorities. The novel critiques racial prejudice and the arbitrary nature of justice, as seen through the protagonist, Steve Harmon, who is labeled a "monster" by the prosecution. This label affects Steve's self-perception and identity. Through the use of screenplay and prose, the book challenges readers to view individuals objectively, free from preconceptions.
In Monster by Walter Dean Myers, how does Steve represent his innocence in his notes?
In Monster, Steve represents his innocence in his notes by claiming that he simply walked into the drugstore and looked around. He’s insistent that he didn’t commit any crime. He didn’t kill Mr. Nesbitt, nor did he rob him. As far as he’s concerned, he’s done nothing wrong.
In Monster, how do Steve and King's reactions to Mr. Nesbitt’s death details in court differ and what does it imply about them?
In Monster, Steve reacts to hearing the details of Mr. Nesbitt’s death by catching his breath sharply. James King, on the other hand, reacts by tilting his head to one side, as if he doesn’t have a care in the world. He clearly doesn’t find the details of Mr. Nesbitt’s death shocking at all. What this implies about Steve’s character is that he still has some humanity. James’s character, however, appears entirely devoid of it.
In "Monster," how does Mr. Harmon represent public or jury opinions?
Mr. Harmon represents public and jury opinions by embodying the prejudice and assumptions made about Steve based on his association with other criminals. Steve's attorney, Kathy O'Brien, notes that Steve must distinguish himself from the others involved in the crime, as both public and jury tend to see all defendants as alike. Mr. Harmon himself doubts Steve's innocence, reflecting the broader societal tendency to judge based on appearance and associations rather than individual character.
In Monster by Walter Dean Myers, is Osvaldo Cruz a reliable witness?
Osvaldo Cruz is not a reliable witness in Walter Dean Myers' Monster. He testifies in exchange for a government deal, lies about gang membership, and has a history of violence, including assaulting his girlfriend. During cross-examination, his dishonesty and immoral behavior are exposed, undermining his credibility and revealing his testimony as self-serving rather than truthful.
What actions or mistakes led to Steve's trial in Walter Dean Myers's Monster?
Steve Harmon's trial in Walter Dean Myers's Monster results from his association with criminals James King and Osvaldo Cruz, and his decision to act as a lookout for a robbery. His presence at the drugstore during the robbery, where owner Alguinaldo Nesbitt is killed, further implicates him. Although his involvement is ambiguous, testimonies against him and societal biases contribute to his trial, deeply affecting his self-perception and relationships.
In Monster, do you agree with Steve's belief that “making you live is part of the punishment”? Why?
One could agree with this statement in Monster by saying that making Steve live is indeed a part of the punishment because it adds to his already overwhelming anxiety over what will happen in the trial. The authorities have confiscated Steve's shoelaces and belt to stop him from committing suicide. This could be construed as a form of punishment in that it makes it more impossible for him to escape his current predicament.
Why did Myers make the question of guilt or innocence ambiguous in Monster?
Myers made the question of guilt or innocence ambiguous to avoid pushing readers toward a specific conclusion, which could alienate some. This ambiguity encourages discussion, as different readers may interpret the story differently, supporting their views with evidence. Additionally, this reflects real life, where moral and ethical decisions often exist in "grey" areas rather than clear-cut answers. By doing so, Myers offers a more realistic portrayal of complex situations.
How does the book "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers relate to the Constitution or specific amendments?
Did Bolden in Monster do the right thing by rolling over on King? Is he a reliable witness?
Bolden did the right thing for the wrong reasons in Monster by informing the authorities about Bobo and James King's criminal activity. He is willing to "rollover" on King in order to receive a lighter sentence. Given his criminal background and selfish intentions, one could argue that Wendell Bolden is an unreliable witness.
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