Summary Of Walter Dean Myers 'Monster'

The statements guilty or not guilty can be very subjective and almost be a vague statement alone, but with evidence it can help separate the two terms and make it clear who or what belongs to which. Let’s look at this case trial of Steve Harmon in the book Monster by Walter Dean Myers. Despite him being found not guilty, enough evidence was given to the readers to prove otherwise. This is shown on many occasions when he contradicts himself comparing what he says on the stand and from what he records in his journal, he had knowledge of the crime beforehand and his decisions had led to the murder of Mr. Nesbitt, lastly, Steve himself questions his morality and avoids responsibly. Would a man who was innocent and claimed not to be associated with

However, previously in the story Steve had recorded multiple times in his journal that said otherwise. After his dad comes to visit him, Steve writes “Anybody can walk into a drugstore and look around.” (Myers 115) Also while being shown photos of the crime scene, stating, “I can see me at the moment, just when Mr. Nesbitt knew he was going to die, walking down the street trying to make my mind a blank screen.” (Myers 128) Lastly, he writes “I walked into a drugstore to look for some mints, and then walked out. What’s wrong with that?” (Myers 140) Three different occasions where Steve Harmon mentions being in the drugstore in his journal before he was on the stand, claiming he never once stepped foot into the convenience store and for sure knew he wasn’t at the store the day the crime had been committed. All of these statements are evidence enough that Steve lied on trial, which an innocent or “non guilty” person wouldn’t have to do. In addition to the previous paragraph, Steve hadn’t just lied about his whereabouts, but also his connections with the participants in the murder and robbery of the

You know that drugstore got burned out that time? They got it all fixed up now. Drugstores always keep some money.” (Myers 150) Shortly after Steve replies, King continues with the topic, saying “Yeah. All we need is a lookout. You know, check the place out – make sure ain’t no badged copping some z’s in the back. You down for it?” (Myers 150) This is a clear indication that this is the crime that ended Mr. Nesbitt’s life, which connects to the role the other three accused have identified Steve’s job was during the crime, the lookout. Steve was aware of what was going to happen even though he didn't confirm or deny the offer during the conversation, and his decision not to alert Mr. Nesbitt when he was at the drugstore that day means he was most likely acting as an accomplice. Along with the doubts of the court and the readers of whether Steve is innocent or not, Steve has his own doubts and questions for himself. Through and through the story most to all of his journal entries have mentioned how terrible jail is and his relationship with how others see him but its clear he himself can’t tell if he’s innocent or