The Monster Within

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“Monster” by Walter Dean Myers:

In the novel “Monster,” sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon faces trial for felony homicide. He decides to create a movie about his experience, which he names “Monster” because that’s how the prosecutor refers to him. Steve’s lawyer, Kathy O’Brien, warns him about the seriousness of the charges and the skill of the state prosecutor, Sandra Petrocelli. Steve’s co-defendant, James King, also has his own lawyer, Asa Briggs.

The trial unfolds, and Steve records his thoughts, fears, and observations in his notebook. The state presents witnesses, including an employee of the drugstore where the crime occurred. Flashbacks reveal Steve’s life on the streets, his film club mentor, and his interactions with James King. O’Brien’s goal is to humanize Steve in the eyes of the jury, emphasizing that he is different from the other defendants.

Racism and Injustice The Monster Within

Certainly! In the novel “Monster” by Walter Dean Myers, racism and injustice play significant roles. Let’s explore these themes:

Dehumanization and racism:
- The story revolves around the murder trial of Steve Harmon, a 16-year-old black kid from Harlem.
- Steve is accused of being an accomplice in the murder of an immigrant shopkeeper named Mr. Nesbitt during a botched robbery.
- Despite Steve’s minimal alleged role in the murder, the state prosecutor, Sandra Petrocelli, sees him only as a “monster.” She disregards the rest of his life and identity.
Prison System Dehumanization:
- The novel also portrays the prison system as dehumanizing. Inmates are not recognized as complex human beings with emotions and individuality.
- Steve, despite being a sensitive and creative individual, experiences this dehumanization during his weeks in prison.

Conclusion

The courtroom held its breath as the jury filed back in. Steve Harmon, once a scared teenager, now stood at the center of his fate. The evidence had been presented—the grainy surveillance footage, the eyewitness accounts, the inked pages of his notebook.

Kathy O’Brien, his defense attorney, squeezed his hand. “We did our best,” she whispered. “Remember who you are.”

Steve nodded, his heart pounding. The prosecutor’s closing argument echoed in his mind: “This monster, this accomplice to murder, deserves no mercy.”

The jury foreman stood. “We find the defendant—”

But Steve’s thoughts swirled elsewhere. He remembered Mr. Nesbitt—the immigrant shopkeeper who had lost his life. Steve had never meant for things to go so wrong. He had been a pawn in a game of desperation and fear.

The verdict hung in the air like a blade.

“Guilty,” the foreman said.

Steve’s world tilted. The courtroom blurred. He felt the weight of every choice—the moments he could have turned away, the paths he could have taken.

As they led him away, Steve glanced at the gallery. His mother’s tear-streaked face. Jonathan, his best friend, who had stood by him. And Hayes Flynn, the prosecutor, who had seen only a monster.

In his cell, Steve opened his notebook. The movie he had wanted to make—the one that would tell his story—remained unfinished. But perhaps it was time to write a different ending.