Monster Book Analysis (Essay Example)

The book Monster is a fictional book written by Walter Dean Myers, and is about the life of Steve as he struggles through a court trial and a ruling. This trial is about a murder and robbery that was commited. But based on all of the details and evidence provided by Walter Dean Myers I think that there is only one ruling that can be given; innocent. This is demonstrated by Ms. Henry, Mr.Sawicki, and Steve's own testimony, all of which gives very strong evidence proving Steve's innocence.

Despite all of the unquestionable evidence, not everyone sees Steve as innocent. Mr.King and Bobo Evans would both like you to believe that Steve was involved with this felony-murder. Mr.King along with Bobo Evans, who participated in this felony murder say that steve was the lookout. The prosecution says that because Steve didnt know were he was in the day of this tragic murder and robbery, he is guilty. But do you remember where you were a week ago, probably not. But what about 4 months ago? Why should Steve? And who do you believe more, the words of hardened criminals or Steve. An active member of his community and film student whose reputation is vouched by Mr.Sawicki's testimony.

Furthermore, Steve's innocence is backed up by Ms.Henry's testimony, an old grandma who was a bystander. She left the store to get to safety before this robbery went down after sensing danger. One quote that demonstrates Steve's innocences is when she says ¨I saw two young men.¨ This was in answer to the prosecution asking what did you see on pg 163. What does this mean? Well if Mr.King and Bobo Evans are already known participants in this robbery and felony murder. How is Steve a participant in this robbery if there were only two men? There is only one answer, Steve wasn't in the robbery. Furthemore Steve was never identified by Ms. Henry. This obviously demonstrates how Steve is innocent and had nothing to do with this crime.

Mr.Sawicki's testimony should also be taken into consideration on top of the mounting evidence proving Steve's innocence. Mr.Sawicki's testimony vouches for Steve's character. One example of Steve's character is when Mr.Sawicki was asked if he thought Steve was an honest man. Mr.Sawicki replied by saying ¨absolutely¨ on pg 235.  This shows  how Mr.Sawicki thinks Steve is a good person and an honest person, a person who wouldn't commit such a crime. But Mr.Sawicki doesn't just think of Steve as an honest man, he also thinks that he's an outstanding young man. He is talented, bright, and compassionate…¨  This was in response to being asked to describe Steve, on pg 235. Does this description of Steve sound like someone that would be involved in a robbery? Well that is because Steve isn't a person who commits crimes. Mr.Sawicki's testimony demonstrates how he is a kind and thoughtful person, a person who wouldn't commit such a horrendous crime. This further proves Steve's innocence.

One final piece of evidence is Steve's own testimony; Steve's testimony is important because it shows Steve's side of the story and is given under oath. In Steve's testimony it shows how he didnt know the participants in the robbery. When Steve was asked if he'd ever talked Bobo Evans, he responded by saying  “I might have said hi to him but i've never had a conversation with him.¨ This was on pg 226 and shows that Steve didn't really know him, so how could he commit a robbery with him?  And when Steve was if he knows Mr.King he said ¨I may have seen him on the playground and he could've said something like those guys can't play ball, stuff like that; but nothing more than that¨ These quotes from pages 226 and 227 shows just how little interaction he had with both Mr.King and Bobo Evans. How is it possible for Steve to commit a robbery with Mr.King and Bobo Evans if he doesn't know them?

Because of all the mounting evidence it is inconceivable to think that Steve committed the crime. Thus there is only one conclusion that can be drawn from all of the evidence: innocent. This evidence is shown in Ms.Henry's testimony, which shows how Steve was never present in the store at the time of the crime. Mr.sawicki's testimony demonstrates Steve's reputation as an honest, kind man. And lastly Steve's own testimony which shows Steve's side of the story. To sum it up in light of this undoubtedly evidence that has been provided; there is no doubt in my mind, and hopefully yours that Steve is innocent.