Monster

 









Monster is a series of notes and a screenplay that character, Steve Harmon, writes in his notebook.  They are about the trial of himself and James King for killing a drugstore owner in a botched robbery. It is a recount of the eleven days of the trial and ends at the juryś verdict.  On the first day of the trial, Steve writes how the prosecuting attorney explains how Steve and James entered into the drugstore to rob it and accidentally shoots the store owne, Mr. Nesbitt, with his own gun.  Steve was just a lookout, but is still on trial and responsible for the murder.  As the book continues, witnesses are brought out to testify, including a convict who testifies in order to get his sentence reduced.  Steve reflects on his own childhood and the violent scenes he witnessed, and how he never sought out violence.  In the notes, Steve creates a violent image of jail be describing the sounds and the monstrous crimes that occur.  Steve begins to believe himself as a monster and ponders how the investigating detective claimed his guilt before investigating and wanted him to see the death penalty.  Steve tries to show his lawyer, Kathy O´Brien that he is a good person.  However many people, including his father, only sees him as a monster.  Steve feels horrible for what he has done and begins to fear spending the next twenty years of his life in jail.  After more witness testimony and evidence being presented the outcome does not look good for Steve.  Finally it is time for the juryś decision.  Steve is forced to anxiously wait in jail.  Finally, the verdict comes back and James King is found guilty, while Steve is found not guilty.  The novel ends when his shadow is left appearing like a monster.

Monster is an intense drama that deals with complex issues such as assault and rape.  Readers may connect with Steve and develop sympathy towards his fear of going to jail.  Readers will also enjoy the debate of whether Steve is guilty or not.  The novel also centers towards fairness in the judicial system.  

Myers, W. D. (1999).  Monster.  NY: Harper

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