Monster
by Walter Dean Myers
“Who Am I?”
12-15 Day Unit – 8th Language Arts
Literary Terms:
Setting
Major / Minor Characters
Conflict
Context Clues
Flashback
Theme
Irony
Plot
Idiom
Inference
Writing Focus: Argument
Argument
Author’s position
Stereotyping
Claim
Bias
Counterargument
Editorial
Fact v. Opinion
Credibility
Overgeneralization
Language Standards:
Context Clues
Roots, prefixes, suffixes
Figures of speech
Denotation, Connotation
Subordination
Coordination
Speaking and Listening Standards:
Collaborative Discussion
Reading Standards:
Cite text evidence that supports explicit claims as well as inferential reasoning
Determine a central theme and analyze its development over the course of the text
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 1
Timeline (summative in bold)
Day 1
Introduction to WDMyers, Anticipation Guide, Read pages 1-43
Day 2
Setting, Characters, evidence graphic organizer, Vocabulary, Read pages 45-58
Day 3
Read pages 59-114, Conflict, Plot
Day 4
Read pages 115-136, Theme
Day 5
Learning Check (facts plus vocabulary), Read pages 136-151, visual
representation (plot, character, theme, setting, conflict)
Day 6
Read pages 153-200
Day 7
Read pages 201-267, Visual representation due
Day 8
Read pages 269-281, Introduce Community Debate,
Day 9
Gather information for Community Debate
Day 10
Presentation of Debates, Essay requirements
Day 11
Learning Check (vocabulary and literary terms)
Rough draft for essay due / peer review
Day 12
Final draft for essay due
Handouts enclosed:
1. Anticipation Guide
2. Definitions of Literary Terms
3. Vocabulary Terms
4. Plot diagram
5. List of characters
6. Community Debate
7. Evidence Graphic organizer
8. Visual Representation requirements
9. Final essay requirements
10. Close Reading Signposts
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 2
Anticipation Guide for Monster
Directions: Before we begin reading Monster, fill out this anticipation guide. These
questions are to help you start thinking about some of the ideas expressed in the novel.
Read the following statements and write whether it is true or false on the line. Briefly
describe your reasoning in the space provided below the question. Think about each
question carefully before answering.
1. In a court room, a person is always guilty until proven innocent
2. Racism and prejudice isn’t a problem today
______________
__________________
3. There are consequences to every decision we make
__________________
4. Monsters are imaginary creatures, usually large and frightening
5. Peer pressure is always negative
____________
_______________
6. Discrimination can occur because of age
____________
7. Jail is a place where only guilty people go
_______________
8. Personal stories are told in narrative form only
9. Writing in a journal is a good way to express feelings
_______________
____________
10. People who commit crimes come from broken homes and dysfunctional families
___________
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 3
Signposts for Close Reading
Signpost and Definition
The Clues to the
Signpost
What Literary Element it
Helps Readers Understand
Contrasts and Contradictions: A
sharp contrast between what we
would expect and what we
observe the character doing;
behavior that contradicts previous
behavior or well-established
patterns
Aha Moment: A character’s
realization of something that
shifts his actions or
understanding of himself, others,
or the world around him.
A character behaves or
thinks in a way we don’t
expect, or an element of
setting is something we
would not expect
Character development
Internal conflict
Theme
Relationship between setting
and plot
Phrases, usually expressing
suddenness:
“Suddenly I understood. .”
“It came to me in a flash. “
“The realization hit me like a
lightning bolt . .”
“In an instant, I knew . .”
Phrases expressing serious
doubt or confusion: “What
could I possibly do to . . ?”
“I couldn’t imagine how I
could cope with . . . “
“How could I ever
understand why she . . “
The main character and
another are usually off by
themselves, in a quiet
serious moment, and the
wiser figure shares his
wisdom or advice in an effort
to help the main character
with a problem or decision
A word is repeated,
sometimes used in an odd
way, over and over in the
story. An image reappears
several times during the
course of the novel.
The ongoing flow of the
narrative is interrupted by a
memory that comes to the
character, often taking
several paragraphs to tell
before returning to main
events in the present.
Character development
Internal conflict
Plot
Tough Questions: Questions a
character raises that reveal his or
her inner struggles
Words of the Wiser: The advice
or insight a wiser character, who
is usually older, offers about life
to the main character.
Again and Again: Events,
images, or particular words that
recur over a portion of the novel
Memory Moment: A recollection
by a character that interrupts the
forward progress of the story
Internal conflict
Theme
Character development
Theme
Internal conflict
Relationship between character
and plot
Plot
Setting
Symbolism
Theme
Character development
Conflict
Character development
Plot
Theme
Relationship between character
and plot
~taken from Notice and Note: Strategies for Close Reading, 2013
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 4
Study Guide for Monster
Record your opinion here after reading each scene
Journal entry: 1-5
Guilty _____ Not Guilty ______
What does Steve reveal about himself in this entry?
Flashback: Stuyvesant High School: 18-19
Guilty _____
Not Guilty ______
What happens in this scene?
Sawicki criticizes the film for its predictable ending: “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.”
What information does this scene provide regarding Steve’s innocence or guilt?
Myers puts this at the start of the trial. Is he suggesting that this statement is also true for the jury
trial? Is the outcome of the trial predictable? O’Brien seems to think it is.
Witness Testimony: Jose Delgado, 28-32
Guilty _____
Not Guilty _____
What can you infer from this testimony?
Witness Testimony: Sal Zinzi, 32-41
Guilty ______
Not Guilty _____
What can you infer from this testimony?
Flashback: Rock-throwing incident, 41-43
Guilty _____
Not Guilty _____
What does this scene tell you about Steve?
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 5
Journal Entry: 45-46
Guilty ______
Not Guilty _____
What does Steve reveal about himself in this entry?
Flashback: Stoop on 141st Street, 49-51
Guilty _____
Not Guilty _____
What happens in this scene?
What information does this scene provide regarding Steve’s innocence or guilt?
Flashback: 28th Precinct, 71-73
Guilty _______
Not Guilty _____
What happens in this scene?
What information does this scene provide regarding Steve’s innocence or guilt?
Waiting room outside courtroom, 78-80
Guilty ______
Not Guilty _____
Guilty _____
Not Guilty _____
What social issues does this scene raise?
Flashback: Neighborhood Stoop, 80-82
What happens in this scene?
What information does this scene provide regarding Steve’s innocence or guilt?
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 6
Witness Testimony: Osvaldo Cruz, 82-88
Guilty _____
Not Guilty______
What can you infer from this testimony?
Journal Entry, 89-98
Guilty _____
Not Guilty _____
What does Steve reveal about himself in this entry?
Witness Testimony: Osvaldo Cruz, 99-109
Guilty ______
Not Guilty _____
What change did you notice in Osvaldo?
What information does this scene provide regarding Steve’s innocence or guilt?
Journal Entry, 115-116
Guilty _____
Not Guilty _____
What does Steve reveal about himself in this entry?
Flashback: Steve’s neighborhood, 117-121
Guilty _____
Not Guilty ____
What happens in this scene?
What information does this scene provide regarding Steve’s innocence or guilt?
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 7
Flashback: Steve’s Apartment, 121-126
Guilty _____
Not Guilty ______
What happens in this scene?
What information does this scene provide regarding Steve’s innocence or guilt?
Flashback: Steve’s Apartment, 123-126
Guilty _____
Not Guilty _____
What does this scene show us about Mrs. Harmon’s relationship with Steve?
How does Williams treat Steve? Compare this to how Karyl treats Steve on p. 71-73.
What conclusions can you draw from Steve’s actions in this scene?
Journal Entry, 127-130
Guilty ______
Not Guilty _____
What does Steve reveal about himself in this entry?
Journal Entry, 137-148
Guilty ______
Not Guilty _____
What does Steve reveal about himself in this entry?
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 8
Flashback: Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, 149-151
Guilty ____ Not Guilty ____
What does this scene show us about Steve’s role in the crime?
What is the effect of repeating the last phrase?
Journal Entry, 153-159
Guilty ______
Not Guilty _____
Guilty _____
Not Guilty ____
What does Steve reveal about himself in this entry?
Witness Testimony: Lorelle Henry, 161-171
Why are the questions about the photos and the line-up so important? Should they be?
What social issues come up in this scene?
Why was Petrocelli’s redirect so short? Was it effective?
Witness Testimony: Bobo Evans, 185-199
Guilty _____
Not Guilty _____
What does this selection show about Bobo’s reliability?
What does this do to Osvaldo’s testimony? Was this intentional on O’Brien’s part?
Journal Entry, 201-205
Guilty _____
Not Guilty ____
What does Steve reveal about himself in this entry?
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 9
Film class, Courtroom: 214-219
Guilty _____
Not Guilty _____
What does Mr. Sawicki say about being aware of your audience when making a film?
Does O’Brien follow this advice when telling the story to the jury (her audience)?
How does putting the classroom scene right before the courtroom scene increase your
understanding?
Courtroom, 224-229
Guilty ____ Not Guilty _____
What is your initial reaction to this scene?
Based on what you know from Steve’s journal and the flashback scenes, is Steve telling the
truth?
Courtroom, 234-238
Guilty ____ Not Guilty _____
Why does O’Brien bring Sawicki back to the stand?
Why would O’Brien have him as her last witness?
How does his testimony fit in the trial?
Journal entry, 269-271
Guilty ____ Not Guilty _____
What does Steve reveal about himself in this entry?
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 10
Courtroom verdict, 276-277
Guilty _____
Not Guilty ____
What does this final scene show?
Why did Steve choose not to have sound for this scene?
How does his last image affect you?
Journal entry, 279-281
Guilty _____
Not Guilty _____
Why do you think Myers included this final entry?
Why has Steve been producing films?
What do you think Miss O’Brien saw?
Write your final thoughts on Monster. Did it turn out as you predicted? Is the
ending satisfying? Why or why not?
~ questions taken from Nagel, 4/2010
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 11
Vocabulary Lists for Monster
Directions: Look up the following words which appear in the novel Monster. If a word has
more than one definition, use the one that applies in the novel.
Part 1
Objection:
Proposition:
Felony:
Testimony:
Suspect:
Shackle:
Allege:
Prosecutor:
Chalk:
Merchandise:
Evidence:
Fringe:
Implicate:
Indulge:
Part 2
Acquaintance:
Accusation:
Taint:
Transverse:
Incident:
Consign:
Perpetrator:
Verdict:
Menace:
Conviction:
Technician:
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 12
Major and Minor Characters
Character: a person, animal, or imaginary creature that plays a role in a story.
How can I tell if the character is major or minor? Ask yourself this question: Would we
even have the book/story if this character did not exist? If yes, then the character is minor.
If no, the character is major.
Would we have the story behind Hunger Games if Katniss did not exist? Major
Would the story be the same if Katniss’ mother did not exist?
Minor
How do I analyze a character? Look for the following details about the character; then
ask yourself what those details tell us about the individual.
Physical appearance
Feelings
Personality
Actions
Motives
Directions: Identify the following characters as major or minor characters. Explain their
role in the novel.
Sandra Petrocelli
Steve Harmon
Kathy O’Brien
James King
Asa Briggs
Richard “Bobo” Evans
Osvaldo Cruz
Alguinaldo Nesbitt
Jose Delgado
Lorelle Henry
Sal Zinzi
Wendell Bolden
Steve’s parents
Dorothy Moore
George Sawicki
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 13
Character Analysis
Directions: Read pages 11-14 in Monster and answer the following questions in complete
sentences.
1. Steve is the only one at his table not eating breakfast. Why is he doing this? Explain
what this reveals about his character.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________
2. Why did Steve carry a notebook into the courtroom? What does this reveal about his
character?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________
3. What can you conclude about Ms. O’Brien when she answers Steve, “It probably
depends on what you mean by ‘win”?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________
4. What does the way that James King looks at Steve reveal about his character?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 14
Setting
Definition of Setting: the physical and psychological background against which the
action of a story takes place. It is the time and place that the narrative occurs.
Three aspects of settings:
Historical: place, location, time, recorded dates
Cultural: ways of living, traditions, music, dance, sport, fashion, dress, religion
Social: economic status, racial status, neighborhood, age group, peers, generations
Directions: Describe with details the different settings in Monster.
Manhattan Detention Center
Courtroom
Steve’s Neighborhood (Harlem):
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 15
Plot Elements
Introduction / Exposition: background information; it establishes setting and introduces
the main character or characters.
Rising Action: a series of events or turning points that build tension to the climax
Climax: the most intense or crucial event when the tension reaches a peak
Falling Action: the story examines the consequences of the climax and the tension fades
Conclusion/ Resolution: how the story’s central problem is resolved; bringing the conflict
to an end.
Directions: In the space provided below, draw a plot diagram and list the primary events
leading to the climax. Put a box around the climax at the peak of the diagram. Label the
events on the diagram using the plot element terms above.
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 16
Conflict
Definition of conflict: the clash or problem between opposing forces or characters
Four types of conflict:
Character v. Self: problem deciding what to do, think, or feel
Character v. Character: problem with another character
Character v. Nature: problem with a force of nature or some aspect of environment
Character v. Society: problem with laws or beliefs of a group of people
Check your understanding: based on your reading of pages 20-24
1. What type of conflict does the jury face?
A. person v. person
B. person v. society
D. person v. self
E. person v. fate
C. person v. nature
2. What type of conflict does Steve face?
A. person v. person
B. person v. society
D. person v. self
E. person v. fate
C. person v. nature
3. What type of conflict does Richard “Bobo” Evans face?
A. person v. person
B. person v. society
D. person v. self
E. person v. fate
C. person v. nature
4. What type of conflict do the two conspirators face?
A. person v. person
B. person v. society
D. person v. self
E. person v. fate
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
C. person v. nature
Page 17
Theme
Theme: A major idea broad enough to cover the entire length of a literary work (short story,
novel, poem, or play) AND broad enough to apply to anyone’s life anywhere at any time. It
may be stated directly or implied throughout the story or poem. One can also think of it as
the lesson or moral of literary work.
Caution: Too many people confuse the subject or main idea of a story as the theme. For
example, in Monster, people may say that the theme is “hope”. One word cannot be the
theme. However, ask yourself, “What is the work trying to teach me about ________?” In this
case, you would ask yourself, what is the novel teaching me about hope?
Then you may say, well, Steve never gave up on his case. Even though jail was hard, many
people were out to get him, and sometimes his own family doubted his plea of innocence,
he almost always remained positive and had hope. So, the theme is Steve learns to never
give up and to have hope to get him through the hard times.
HOWEVER, this is not a theme either. Why? Because the definition stated that theme
needs to be able to apply to anyone, anywhere. If someone had not read Monster, how
are they supposed to know who Steve is? So, a better, more universal theme would be:
Even when someone goes through hard times, he still needs to remain hopeful and never
give up.
Tips to Figure Out the Theme:
1. Figure out the subject or main idea of a work.
2. Ask yourself, “What is the author trying to teach me about ____?”
Now, combine these two and make it into a lesson that anyone could apply to their lives
anywhere and at any time.
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 18
Irony
Definition: A figure of speech in which the literal meaning of the words or phrases is the
opposite of the intended meaning or expected outcome.
Another definition: a literary device that uses contradictory statements or situations to
reveal a reality different from what appears to be true.
What is the author’s purpose for using irony?
1. It produces an element of surprise
2. It allows the reader to know more than the character in the story does.
3. It shows a twist of fate the character cannot control.
Directions: Find 5 instances of irony in Monster. Mark the page, copy the passage, and
explain the significance.
1. _______
2. ________
3. ____p. 55____
4. ___p. 59_____
5.___________
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 19
Flashback
Definition of flashback: The technique of disrupting the chronology of a narrative by
shifting to an earlier time to introduce information.
What is the author’s purpose for using flashback?
An author takes us back in time usually to reference something important that will help us
understand the main character, plot, or conflict a little more.
Directions: Answer the following questions.
1. Explain the author’s use of flashback on p. 41-43. Ask the students what they think the
author’s purpose for using the flashback is, according to the notes they took yesterday.
Check your understanding:
Circle the example of the flashback in each group.
Groups 1
A. The score is 14-7. It is the 4th down, and we are 12 yards from the goal line. Coach calls a
time-out. He motions to me to get out on the field. The offense is already moving to their
position for the last chance to play. I listen for the hike. I know the ball is coming to me.
B. I’m catching the ball on the sideline. I watch it spiraling through the air. I remember the first
time I caught a football—when Dad bought me one for my 8th birthday. “Keep it tucked tight
with both arms, son!” he had said. I won’t forget those words.
C. I watch the ball spiral high through the air—like a missile searching for its target. The noise
from the crowd explodes the night air. My legs are iron, and I’m ready to run.
Group 2
A. The waving palm trees beckoned to the ship with comforting arms.
B. The ship docked to the harbor and all the children ran to the arms of their waiting parents.
C. Before the ship left for the sea the crew checked to make sure everything was safe and
secure.
Group 3
A. I told my boyfriend that I couldn’t go to the movies with him because I had to help my sister
with her science project that was due in a week.
B. My mom and dad would not let me to go the movies last week because I didn’t clean my
room. I remember how upset I was, but also remember that I didn’t keep my promise about
keeping my room clean.
C. I hope that I can go to the movies next weekend. I need to make sure that I had done all my
chores and I have all my homework done.
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 20
Practice with Flashback
Directions: Read pages 49-52 in Monster. Answer the questions below about the pages that you have
read.
1. What is the flashback?
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
2. What triggers the flashback?
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
3. How do you think the flashback affects Steve?
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
4. How do you think the flashback affects the outcome of the story?
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
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Page 21
Idiom
Definition of Idiom: An expression that does not mean exactly what it literally says.
Why does an author use idioms in their writing?
An author uses various types of figurative language in their writing to make it more exciting
or interesting.
Directions: Write what the intended meaning of the idiom in italics is supposed to be.
“If he wants to run his mouth, that’s his business.” p. 53
“…If they come clean, he might even go 25 to life.” p. 72
Eleanor had 26 children. She loved them all. However, she had a special place in her heart
for her first grandchild, Ellen, who came to visit her each day. "She is the apple of my eye,"
Eleanor always said.
Tim and Laura brought home their newborn triplets. The babies kept crying. They didn't
know what to do. They decided to call Laura's parents to help. "Please," they said. "Come
help. We are in over our heads."
Monster Unit Plan, 2014
Page 22
Contextual Clues
Definition of Contextual Clues: The words around an unfamiliar word that gives you
clues about the unknown word’s meaning.
Five different types of context clues
1. Definition/Explanation Clues: Sometimes a word’s or phrase’s meaning is explained
immediately after its use. Example: “Haberdashery, which is a store that sells men’s
clothing, is becoming more common today.”
2. Restatement/Synonym Clues: Sometime a hard word or phrase is said in a simple
way.
Example: “Lou was sent to the haberdashery to find a new suit. He needed to wear one for
his uncle’s wedding.”
Because the sentence says that Lou would find a suit at the haberdashery, then it must be
a place where clothes for men are sold.
3. Contrast/Antonym Clues: Sometimes a word or phrase is clarified by the presentation
of the opposite meaning somewhere close to its use. Look for signal words when applying
context clues. Example: “Lou wanted to go the haberdashery, but Ann wanted to shop at
the boutique.” The signal word but tells the reader that an opposite thought is going to be
stated.
4. Inference/General Context Clues: Sometimes a word or phrase is not immediately
clarified within the same sentence. Relationships, which are not directly apparent, are
inferred or implied. The reader must look for clues within, before, and after the sentence in
which the word is used.
Example: “The haberdashery was Lou’s favorite place. He loved shopping for nice suits. The
people who worked there were so kind and helpful.”
5. Punctuation
Readers can also use clues of punctuation and type to infer meaning, such as quotation
marks (showing the word has special meaning), dashes, parentheses, or brackets (enclosing
a definition), and italics (showing the word will be defined).
Example:
Tom’s father was a haberdasher, or men’s shop keeper, in the story.
Tom’s father was a haberdasher (men’s shop keeper) in the story.
In the story, Tom’s father was a haberdasher-or men’s shop keeper.
Tom’s father was a “haberdasher”. He had a clothing store for men.
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