Monster

Kathy, Steve’s attorney, acknowledges to him that his race predisposes many on the jury to assume Steve is guilty. What role does the race play in the trial of the two defendants? Consider whether Sandra’s description of Steve as a monster have any intentional or implicit racial implications and what Kathy does or doesn’t do to fight against racial stereotypes on Steve’s behalf?

Steve himself as the producer, director, and star of his autobiographical motion picture. This portrayal, however, clashes with his frequent protestations that his prosecution is something that simply happened to him and is beyond his control. Is Steve the master of his own story who is responsible for all that is happening to him or a naïve teenager who accidentally falls into a situation beyond his control? Or is he both? Explain your response using examples from the text.

In many books about crimes, the author makes clear to the reader whether the accused is guilty or innocent. What questions does Myers leave unanswered and why do you think he makes this choice?

Discuss the portrayal of incarceration in Monster. Research alternative systems of justice that offer contrasts to the one shown in the novel. How might one of these systems have changed the story?

Steve acknowledges he is afraid of King until the moment King tries to intimidate him in jail. Was his fear of King a legitimate reason to cooperate with the plans for the robbery? If individuals have been threatened and have a realistic fear of harm, are they guilty of a crime they are forced to perpetrate?

What does Kathy perceive her role as Steve’s attorney to be? Is she an officer of the court charged with adhering perfectly to legal procedures, a defense counselor who is willing to do whatever is necessary to acquit Steve, or something in between?

After Steve is acquitted, Kathy refuses to embrace him as he stands with his arms open to her. Given how much time, effort, and expertise Kathy put into getting Steve acquitted, why is she unwilling to hug him?

Journaling several months after he has been found innocent, Steve’s thoughts and concerns all continue to center around the trial. Is his brooding self-doubt a result of feeling some responsibility for the death of Mr. Nesbitt, the store owner, or is it because accusation, incarceration, and a criminal trial leave indelible scars on a person even if found innocent?