Introduction
The novel “Monster” by Walter Dean is one of the most reflective and influential works published in 1999, which explores several major themes and aspects which can easily be examined in modern society.
Brief Summary of the Novel
The novel is centered on analyzing the main protagonist, Steve Harmon, after being judged for murder while living in New York. Aspects of identity struggles and inner thoughts about the character are analyzed in the novel.
Introduction of main points
Arguably, the novel examines identity and analysis of the judicial system as part of the main themes. At the same time, other supplementary ideas in characters, such as empathy and connection, accountability, and responsibility, are analyzed under the same approach.
Hook
Unlike other literary works published simultaneously, Walter uses a unique technique by presenting the novel as a screenplay, attracting the attention of most readers. Arguably, several thematic issues are reflected in the plot of the novel hence bringing a cause to understanding the context of the novel.
Thesis
Therefore, this paper will explore the novel’s main concepts and examine their effect on the characters and cause for decision-making.
Body
In “Monster” by Walter Dean Myers, the character of Steve Harmon, a 16-year-old African American accused of homicide, explores the concept of identity in great depth. Throughout the narrative, Steve contends with questions concerning who he is and how others perceive him, especially in light of his heritage. Steve details his identity crisis in his journal, interspersed throughout the narrative. He questions himself in one entry, “Who am I?” Who is Steve Harmon, exactly? Does it matter who I am in this situation?” (Myers, 56). The statement “I do not know who I am, but I am aware that my identity will play a significant role in the outcome of my trial” describes Steve’s inner conflict precisely. Steve meets many people in his legal career with preconceived thoughts and prejudices about him based on his color and upbringing. Steve’s defense attorney feels he is a victim of institutional racism. Steve must face how these relationships shape his identity. Steve’s identity crisis resolves unexpectedly. Steve’s legal engagement has changed him and forced him to rethink his identity. He overcomes his preconceptions to become more sophisticated and nuanced.
The novel addresses reality and perception through media. Steve worries that the media’s sensationalism may harm his trial. “The thing I hate most about the news is that it seems to turn everyone into a monster,” he said heartbreakingly. They always play fiction. Monsters are inanimate objects that can be destroyed, imprisoned, and forgotten (Myers, 73). The comment shows how the media portrays complicated people as stereotypical or terrifying. The characters in the book interact to investigate the relationship between perception and actuality(Ghaussi,3). Everyone around Steve, from his fellow inmates to his defense team, has opinions regarding his capabilities and goals. Through these interactions, he realizes how socioeconomic status, class, and ethnicity influence how we perceive individuals.
Notably, the novel’s themes of responsibility and accountability are key because the protagonist is examined in various ways. The novel examines how people handle responsibility through Steve Harmon. For instance, Throughout the story, Steve doubts his guilt as an accessory to murder. “I caused this, I committed activities” (Myers, 11). The sentence sums up the book’s primary conflict in the argument that Steve must confront the consequences of his conduct, even if he does not fully accept responsibility for the crime. “Monster” covers key social themes such as racial disparity, socioeconomic status, and the criminal justice system, contributing to its success. The book critically analyzes these issues and shows how systemic inequality affects people.
What worked for the book?
One of the book’s strengths is its utilization of multiple voices for Steve’s trial(Myers,3). Additionally, the novel depicts Steve’s life through journal entries, screenplay snippets, and a first-person narrative.
What din`t work
Notably, the novel portrays some people using stereotypes and stock characters, which may be problematic. James King, one of the co-defendants, is a vicious attacker with little depth. The novel’s portrayal of attorneys and judges as black-and-white, good and evil, may also seem oversimplified.
How does my work compare with other reviewers?
Arguably there are some similarities and differences between my work and other reviewers for the work. For instance, other reviewers articulate justice and identity as the main themes examined in the novel hence a cause for understanding the author’s approach. The literature critique approach is one major difference between my reading and other perspectives. For instance, the reader and other reviewers analyze the key themes examined by the author, which is not the cause of my rationale for analyzing the critical approach. Other two works for comparison include “Scorpions” and “Lockdown,” novels which reflect on the same themes.
Conclusion
The overall opinion discussed in the body
Conclusively, Monster by Walter Dean Myers explores self-awareness, perception, accountability, and responsibility. The book’s protagonist, Steve Harmon, forces readers to examine their personal biases and how broader social institutions affect individuals. The author, Walter Dean Myers, wrote Scorpions” and Lockdown novels which offers a broad and multifaceted vision of urban life in America, focusing on justice and social injustice(Ghauss,5). Therefore, the novel provides readers with a rationale to reflect and articulate effectively the concepts of justice and other necessary provisions
Interesting aspects of reading the novel
Ideally, readers might better appreciate “Monster’s” social issues by reviewing familiar themes and characters. I would suggest Walter Dean Myers’ “Monster” to anyone looking for a book that will get them to think deeply about themes of justice, identity, and social injustice. The tale shines, among other things, in its ability to spark intelligent discussion on such important subjects. The book encourages readers to critically consider social injustice and the criminal justice system by presenting a comprehensive portrait of urban life in the United States from several viewpoints and narrative angles. The characters in the book are also multidimensional and vividly realized, and their struggles are delicately and sensitively depicted. Readers will develop a deeper understanding of how social forces affect people’s identities and experiences due to becoming emotionally invested in these characters. Therefore the “Monster” is a book with a plot that will keep readers flipping the pages. Readers of all ages and backgrounds will be profoundly affected by this book, whether they read it alone or as part of a larger series.
Work Cited
Myers, Walter Dean. Monster. HarperCollins, 1999, (1–281)
Ghaussi, Rodaba. Walter Dean Myers’s Monster. Diss. California State University, Northridge, 2019.
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