Monster
by Walter Dean Myers
monster
[mon-ster]
noun
1. a legendary animal combining features of animal and human form or having the
forms of various animals in combination, as a centaur, griffin, or sphinx.
2. any creature so ugly or monstrous as to frighten people.
3. any animal or human grotesquely deviating from the normal shape, behavior, or
character.
4. a person who excites horror by wickedness, cruelty, etc.
5. any animal or thing huge in size.
Name: ________________________________________________________
English 8 – Period ________
[1]
Anticipation Guide
Part 1: Read and consider each statement carefully. Then, circle agree or disagree.
1. There are consequences to every decision we make.
agree / disagree
2. No matter what happens, you should take responsibility for
your actions.
agree / disagree
3. The notions of right and wrong are always clearly defined.
agree / disagree
4. The friends we choose and people we hang out with are an
accurate reflection of us.
agree / disagree
5. Peer pressure is always negative.
agree / disagree
6. Peer pressure has a greater influence on us than our parents
do.
agree / disagree
7. Discrimination can occur because of age.
agree / disagree
8. Lying to save yourself from being convicted of a crime is the
right thing to do.
agree / disagree
9. Jail is a place where only guilty people go.
agree / disagree
Part 2: For one of the statements above, respond in your journal, explaining why you
have the belief you do.
[2]
Film Terminology and Cinematic Effects
close-up (CU) – a shot taken from a close distance in which an object may appear
magnified
cut to – a sudden change in camera angle, location, placement, or time, from one shot
to another
fade in – a gradual transition from darkness to normal lighting ; often at the beginning of
a scene
fade out – a gradual transition from normal lighting to darkness; often at the end of a
scene
fade to black – a gradual transition from normal lighting to darkness; often at the end of
a scene
long shot (LS) – a shot taken from a far distance so an object appears relatively small
medium shot (MS) – a conventional shot from a medium distance; between a close
shot and a long shot
pan – a shot where the camera moves or rotates horizontally
reaction shot – a quick shot that shows a character or group’s reaction to action
voice-over (VO) – dialogue or narration that comes from an off-screen character or
narrator; the audience hears the voice over but the characters do not; often
conveys characters’ thoughts
[3]
Vocabulary (continued)
humanity
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
character
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
admissible (page 18)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
impede (page 23)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
grandiose (page 27)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
pertinent (page 55)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
[4]
Vocabulary (continued)
proposition (page 85)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
civil (page 88)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
cacophony (page 117)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
dismay (page 121)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
montage (page 131)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
mosaic (page 151)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
[5]
Vocabulary (continued)
diminutive (page 161)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
prejudicial (page 173)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
condescendingly (page 209)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
surly (page 215)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
vouch (page 236)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
constitute (page 246)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
[6]
Vocabulary (continued)
contention (page 255)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
pensive (page 276)
POS: ___________
definition in your own words: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
your sentence with context clues: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
[7]
Monday, July 6th – Tuesday, July 7th
Flashback
In Monster, flashbacks are utilized for various reasons. They show events that occurred
before the start of the novel, making it easier to understand Steve’s situation and how
he came to be arrested. Flashbacks also give readers insight into the characters’
personalities, which helps to determine the validity of the characters.
Review the following flashbacks and decide how each is relevant to the story. For
instance, what does the flashback reveal about the plot or characters?
Passages
Flashback to the film workshop in
Stuyvesant High School.
Inferences
Mr. Sawicki: “I didn’t say it was bad,
but wasn’t it predictable? You need to
predict without predicting. You know
what I mean? When you make a film,
you leave an impression on the
viewers, who serve as a kind of jury for
your film. If you make your film
predictable, they’ll make up their
minds about it long before it’s over.”
(page 19)
Flashback to twelve-year-old Steve in
a park with his friend, Tony.
Tony: “I didn’t throw that rock. You
threw it.”
Steve: “I didn’t say you threw it. I just
said, ‘Run.’ You should’ve run.”
Tony: “I’ll get me an Uzi and blow his
brains out.” (page 43)
[8]
Flashback (continued)
Passages
Flashback to King, Steve, Peaches, and
Johnny talking on a stoop on 141st Street.
Inferences
Johnny: “Naw. Bank money is too serious.
The man comes down hard for bank
money. You need to find a getover where
nobody don’t care – you know what I
mean. You cop from somebody with a
green card or an illegal and they don’t
even report it.”
Peaches: “Restaurant owners got money,
too. That’s the only things left in our
neighborhood – restaurants, liquor stores,
and drugstores.”
King: “What you got, youngblood?”
Steve: “I don’t know.”
Johnny: “Yo – what’s your name? Steve.
Since when you been down?” (page 51)
Flashback to Steve and his younger
brother, Jerry, watching television at
home.
Jerry: “You ever want to be a superhero?
You know, save people and stuff?”
Steve: “Sure. You know who I’d want to
be? Superman. I’d be wearing glasses
and stuff and people would be messing
with me and then I’d kick butt.”
Jerry: “I bet you’d be a cool superhero.
You know who you should be?”
Steve: “Who?”
Jerry: “Batman. Then I could be Robin.”
(page 58)
[9]
Monday, July 6th – Thursday, July 9th
Characterization
The defense attorneys question the reliability of particular witnesses because
circumstances suggest that they may be less than trustworthy.
Pretend that you are serving on the jury, and you are trying to determine which
witnesses to believe. Your decisions should be based on the probability of the witnesses’
stories and the impression they make on you.
Complete the chart by providing a brief description of the witness, significant testimony,
whether or not the witness is reliable, and why.
Witness/Description
José Delgado: store
clerk; young; well
built; articulate
Testimony/Relevant
Information
Reliable?
(circle)
Left store around
4:30; upon return to
store, finds Mr.
Nesbitt dead, cash
register open, and
cigarette cartons
missing
yes
no
Salvatore Zinzi:
yes
no
[10]
Reasons for Deciding Whether
the Character is Reliable
Characterization (continued)
Witness/Description
Testimony/Relevant
Information
Reliable?
(circle)
Wendell Bolden:
yes
no
Detective Karyl:
yes
no
Osvaldo Cruz:
yes
no
[11]
Reasons for Deciding Whether
the Character is Reliable
Thursday, July 9th
Newspaper Article
Imagine that you are a journalist for the Harlem Trumpet, a weekly publication for the
local area, and you have been instructed to cover the Nesbitt robbery.
The assignment is to write an article about the robbery-homicide that is between 200
and 220 words. Efficient article size is crucial because space is limited in this week’s
issue. Write the article with an objective (unbiased) tone. Cover the basic elements of
the story: who, what, where, why, and how? Also, create a brief, fictional statement
from a witness, neighborhood resident, or police officer about the incident. Remember
to include a catchy title.
GRADING:
Title (2) – title is creative and relates to the article
Quality of Information (5) – article addresses all basic elements of the incident
Accuracy of Information (3) – article contains accurate details from the text
Witness Statement (2) – fictional statement is creative
Tone (2) – article is written objectively with no bias
TOTAL: _____ / 14
[12]
Sunday, July 12th
Letter Writing
Mrs. Harmon is obviously upset during her visit with Steve. He explains, “Her eyes were
smiling but her voice cracked. In a way I think she was mourning me as if I were dead”
(pages 157-158). Nothing is known of how Steve’s younger brother, Jerry, is coping with
the situation because children are not allowed in the visiting room.
Imagine what Mrs. Harmon and Jerry are experiencing and how they must feel. Choose
one of the following assignments to complete.
1. As Mrs. Harmon, write a letter to your son. Describe how his arrest has influenced
your life at work and in the neighborhood. Express any fear, regret,
disappointment, or hope that you have. The tone of the letter should reflect that
of a parent speaking to a child.
2. As Jerry, write a letter to your brother. Describe how his arrest has influenced your
social life at school and with other neighborhood children. Express any fear,
regret, disappointment, or hope that you have. The tone of the letter should
reflect that of a young child speaking to a sibling.
3. As Steve, write a letter to your family. Do not discuss any particulars about the
case. Instead, explain how the experience has influenced or changed you.
Express any regret that you have for exposing your family to this situation, and
relate any fear or hope that you have for your future. The tone of the letter should
reflect that of a regretful and confused teenager.
GRADING:
Accuracy of Information (4) – letter contains accurate details from the text
Role/Point of View (3) – role is consistent throughout
Tone (3) – tone is consistent throughout
TOTAL: _____ / 10
[13]
Monday, July 13th
Drawing
The characters that appear in this chapter are essential to the trial. Mrs. Henry is a
possible eyewitness, and Richard “Bobo” Evans participated in the robbery.
Pretend that you are the courtroom sketch artist, and capture an image in your mind of
a scene from the trial. The image may be anything, such as a character’s face, the jury
observing the proceedings, or a lawyer questioning a witness. On a separate sheet of
paper, create a sketch of the scene. Give your drawing a title.
Also write a brief reflection about your sketch. Explain your choice of character or
scene, as well as the viewpoint used. For instance, why did you select your subject? Is
there a reason that the perspective of the drawing is close, distant, or from the jury box
or judge’s bench?
GRADING:
Title (2) – title relates to drawing
Connection to Novel (3) – drawing relates to text
Overall Neatness and Effort (2) – drawing is neat and shows effort
Written Explanation (3) – reflection explains the choice of scene and viewpoint
TOTAL: _____ / 10
[14]
Tuesday, July 14th
Closing Arguments
The prosecution and defense have both rested their cases. Think about all of the
witnesses’ testimony and evidence that was presented at the trial. Your assignment is to
write a closing argument for either Sandra Petrocelli, the prosecutor, or Kathy O’Brien,
the defense attorney for Steve Harmon.
A closing argument, or summation, is the concluding statement of each party’s counsel
retelling the important arguments for the jury in a court case. A closing argument occurs
after the presentation of evidence. It may not contain any new information and may
only use evidence introduced at trial.
1. Establish your argument. Remind the jury what you promised to show them during
your opening statement. (Petrocelli/prosecution: pages 20-25; O’Brien/defense:
pages 25-27)
2. Summarize your major arguments by highlighting what each witness helped you
prove.
3. Refute opposition arguments – attack the opposing side by challenging their
positions, theories, witnesses, etc.
4. Close your argument – making a lasting impression on the jury. End with a strong
message about why this case is important and why they should rule in your favor.
Consider using emotional appeals.
5. Tell the jury directly what you need them to do.
GRADING:
Quality of Information (4) – information is clear and thorough
Rebuttal (4) – counterarguments are accurate, relevant, and strong
Use of Facts (4) – major points are supported with accurate details from the text
Organization (3) – arguments are organized in a logical fashion
TOTAL: _____ / 15
[15]
Kathy O’Brien
She is Steve’s defense attorney who uses his
character traits before the crime and makes
sure she distances him from the other
defendants as way of getting a not guilty
verdict.
Steve’s parents
They are depicted as hard-working people who
have tried to raise their sons right. Steve’s
mother continues to believe in him no matter
what, but his father looks at him like he
doesn’t really know him.
Asa Briggs
He is the defense attorney that is
representing James King and trying to get the
jury to find him not guilty.
Dorothy Moore
James King’s cousin, she testifies that James
had brought her a new lamp for Christmas at
the time of the murder.
George Nipping
He testifies that James King is left-handed
which creates reasonable doubt that King did
the crime, since it was more likely that Mr.
Nesbitt was shot by a right-handed
perpetrator. His testimony is weak, however,
because the perpetrator was wrestling with
Mr. Nesbitt over the gun.
Monster Character Chart
Steve Harmon
He is a sixteen year old young black man
who has been arrested for acting as the
look-out in robbery that goes bad and ends
in a murder. He is the narrator for the story,
writing it in the form of a screenplay
interspersed with his journal entries.
James King
A black man who is also young, but older
than Steve, he encourages Steve to be a
part of his “crew” which will rob the
drugstore. He is accused of being in the
drugstore, wrestling Mr. Nesbitt for the gun,
and ultimately shooting the older man to
death.
Sandra Petrocelli
She is the Assistant District Attorney who prosecutes
the case against Steve and James King. She labels
them “monsters.”
José Delgado
He worked in the drugstore and found Mr. Nesbitt’s body.
He also determined that several cartons of cigarettes had
been stolen along with money from the cash register.
Alguinaldo Nesbitt
The victim of the crime, he is depicted as a decent, hardworking citizen who lost his life in defense of his
property. However, his character isn’t well presented,
because the focus of the story is Steve and other young
men on trial.
Lorelle Henry
She is a grandmother who was in the drugstore at the
time of the murder. She testifies that she saw two men
there and picks James King from a handful of pictures and
then out of a lineup.
Richard “Bobo’ Evans
He is the other young man accused of being in the store at the time of the
murder. He is stealing the money from the register and grabbing the cartons
of cigarettes when the gun goes off. He makes a deal with the prosecution to
testify against King and Steve to get a lighter sentence.
Osvaldo Cruz
He is another participant in the crime. It was his job to stand outside and trip up
anyone who tries to catch them after they rob the store. He claims he did it,
because he was afraid of Bobo, but he is a member of a street gang and slashed
someone’s face to be accepted into the gang.
Sal Zinzi
An inmate in prison who testified he heard another prisoner talking about buying
cigarettes from a guy who held up a drugstore where the owner was killed.
Wendell Bolden
A prisoner that testified that he bought cigarettes from Bobo Evans. He also
testified that Bobo told him a man was killed in the drugstore robbery.
[16]