monster book why does the lawyer turn away

To answer questions about Monster, please sign up. Betty Trevino I believe the reason O'Brien looks away from him is because she is recognizing the difference between "innocence" and being found "not guilty." The former is about lacking culpability and the other is about the justice system not having enough evidence to convict.

Full Answer

How does the prosecutor portray Steve as a monster?

The prosecutor portrays Steve as a monster, and he struggles mightily with that label, for he has always considered himself a good person deep down. The book presents Steve's experiences through his own eyes in the form of his personal journal and a screenplay that he composes about his trial. At the end of the trial, Steve is acquitted.

What happens at the end of the book Monster?

At the end of Monster, Steve is acquitted, but his co-defendant, James King, has been sentenced to twenty-five years to life. Five months after the verdict, Steve is committed to making movies because he wants to know the truth about himself.

What is Steve trying to do to distract himself in jail?

Terrified he's going to end up in prison for life or get sentenced to death row, Steve tries to distract himself by keeping track of the events in jail as the case plays out. This was a short, thought-provoking read.

Why do you like the book Monster?

•I liked the book Monster because it was interesting to see the life of a man who is on trial for murder and to see what it's like in the courtroom with all the different witnesses and the attorneys trying to prove people innocent and guilty. I give monster a rate of 5 stars because this book is such an amazing book.

Why does O'Brien turn away?

Betty Trevino I believe the reason O'Brien looks away from him is because she is recognizing the difference between "innocence" and being found "not guilty." The former is about lacking culpability and the other is about the justice system not having enough evidence to convict.

Who is Steve's lawyer in monster?

Kathy O'BrienKathy O'Brien, Steve's lawyer, informs him on what will happen during the trial.

Does Kathy Obrien think Steve is guilty?

O'Brien's doubt about Steve's actual innocence is confirmed when, after they win the case and Steve is found not guilty, she stiffly refuses his attempt to hug her in gratitude and happiness, suggesting that even though she defended his innocence and genuinely did her best to understand him, she does not regard him ...

Is Steve innocent or guilty in monster?

In Monster, Steve was found not guilty on all counts against him in a court of law. In this sense, he is most definitely innocent. However, some viewers might be tempted to believe that he was actually guilty because he chose to enter the store as William demanded.

Who are the lawyers in monster?

Monster CharactersSteve Harmon is the protagonist of the novel. ... Kathy O'Brien is Steve's defense lawyer. ... Sandra Petrocelli is the prosecutor, who employs coercive tactics and labels Steve a "monster."Asa Briggs is James King's defense lawyer, who pushes back against Petrocelli's tactics.More items...•

Who is King lawyer in monster?

Asa BriggsAsa Briggs is James King's defense attorney. Briggs is an older man who often looks tired and seems to know that he is in a doomed position—King is obviously a criminal figure and nearly impossible to defend, especially since he is almost certainly guilty of Mr. Nesbitt's murder.

Was Steve apart of the robbery in Monster?

Steve Harmon is the narrator and protagonist of the story. Steve is a 16-year-old black kid from Harlem charged with felony murder for his involvement in a botched robbery that ended in Mr. Nesbitt's death.

What happens with a juror that upsets Steve?

For King, the jury determined him guilty and for Steve, the jury determined him not guilty. King is sentenced by the judge to serve 25 years to life in prison.

What were Mr Harmon's dreams for Steve?

Harmon states that he never imagined his own son would be involved in a murder or wind up in jail, and he tells Steve that when Steve was a baby, Mr. Harmon dreamed about him growing up and playing college football, attending Morehouse university just like his father did.

Why is Steve convicted not guilty?

Steve is put on trial that could result in 25 years to life in prison if he was guilty. He gets the verdict of not guilty since there is room for reasonable doubt, and is released from jail. Steve is definitely guilty since the jury was not able to read his journal and think his thoughts.

Does Steve tell the truth on the witness stand?

On the stand at trial, did Steve tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? No. He lied when he said he was not in the drugstore on the day of the robbery.

How does Steve describe his lawyer Kathy O Brien?

In Steve's screenplay, Kathy is "the defense attorney with doubts" (2.16). She's "all business as she talks to Steve" (2.32), and sees no need to believe her clients, or even to believe in them—her job is only to prove their innocence to a jury.

Who is the lawyer in Fade in the Interior Court?

Fade In: Interior Court. A guard sits at a desk behind Steve. Kathy O'Brien, Steve's lawyer, is all business as she talks to Steve.

What is the book Monster about?

I know many people have read this book. for those who haven't read it, it is about a young African American teenager who gets blamed for a crime. A lesson i learned from this book is "Never believe in anyone who seems to be loyal.".

What is the point of Myers' book?

The point Myers was trying to make was that the road to innocence and freedom is a road compromised of small, almost invisible steps. Each of those steps involves an experience in which a positive decision was not made. The book demonstrates how each person is living their own life, that we will never know of.

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Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Why does O'Brien look away from Steve?

I believe the reason O'Brien looks away from him is because she is recognizing the difference between "innocence" and being found "not guilty." The former is about lacking culpability and the other is about the justice system not having enough evidence to convict. Steve himself recognizes his own progression from believing he is innocent for not having done his part in the caper and understanding that he is complicit in events that lead to the death of an innocent man. O'Brien has dutifully performed her job under the law but both she and Steve's father recognize that he proved himself capable of being a part of something very ugly. (less)

When did Walter Dean Myers' book come out?

Walter Dean Myers (RIP!) was one of the most prolific and successful children's and YA authors ever, but this book, that I have taught many times and is a staple especially in urban schools, may be his best known, in print since it came out in 1999.

Is Monster an audiobook?

Monster is a powerful story about perception and expectations. And the audiobook is definitely the way to go with reading this book. There’s a full cast of narrators which really adds to the screenplay format of the story. It’s so easy to follow

Who is Steve's lawyer in Monster?

In the book Monster, Steve's lawyer, Kathy O'Brien, wanted the jury to see that Zinzi (Sal Zinzi) is not a credible witness. O'Brien brings many facts regarding his checkered past and the relevancy of his testimony.

Why does O'Brien get Zinzi to admit he is testifying?

2. O'Brien gets Zinzi to admit that the only reason he is testifying is so that he can get out of jail early.

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What happened to Steve and King after Steve left the drugstore?

He says that King pointed out Steve as their lookout and that, after Steve left the drugstore, he and King began fighting with Mr. Nesbitt. When Nesbitt pulled a gun, King managed to take it from him and shoot him with it, after which they both fled with money and cigarettes.

When does Steve return to court?

The previous chapters have all taken place on consecutive days, but the final chapter occurs on Friday, July 17th, when Steve returns to court for the verdict. The jury finds James King guilty, and he is placed in handcuffs and led from the courtroom. They find Steve not guilty.

How old is Steve Harmon in Monster 2021?

Last Updated on February 25, 2021, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 1126. Monster follows the trial of sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon from Monday, July 6th, to Tuesday, July 14th, with the final chapter covering the verdict on Friday, July 17th. There is a short prologue in which Steve reflects on life in prison, which feels unreal to him.

Who is the investigating officer in the case of Steve?

In court, the testimony comes from the investigating officer, Detective Karyl. Steve’s mind drifts back to the night Karyl questioned him. The detective immediately assumed Steve was guilty because he was a young black man, and Kathy O’Brien is concerned that the jury will share this prejudice and believe the detective, despite the fact that his investigation has been slipshod. Osvaldo Cruz, who has also been accused of taking part in the robbery, testifies that he did so only when threatened by Bobo Evans.

Who is the lawyer representing James King?

Asa Briggs, the lawyer representing James King, points to this incentive and questions the objectivity and truthfulness of his account. In the detention center, both before and after the trial, Steve hears the sounds of fighting, and at night he hears a gang-rape taking place.

What is the M onster?

M onster by Walter Dean Myers is a 1999 novel about Steve Harmon, a sixteen-year-old boy on trial for his alleged complicity in a rob bery-turned-murder. Steve is accused of participating in a deadly drugstore robbery. While in prison awaiting trial, he decides to document his experience as a screenplay. The trial is heated, but the evidence ...

Who is Steve's attorney after the verdict?

Steve, however, cannot get over the label of “monster.” After the “not guilty” verdict, Steve turns to his defense attorney, Kathy O'Brien, with his arms open for a hug. He is so relieved at not having to go to prison that he wants to reach out to thank her for helping the jury see that he is a human being who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. O'Brien, however, turns away from Steve, and he realizes that deep down, she, too, must think that he is a monster.

What happens at the end of Monster?

At the end of the novel Monster, by Walter Dean Myers, many different things happen. A guard tells both King and Steve that a verdict is awaiting them. They enter into the courtroom. O'Brien, Steve's lawyer, asks him if he is okay and he says, "NO".

How old is Steve Harmon in Monster?

Share Link. In Walter Dean Myers 's Monster, sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon is on trial on a felony murder charge for his role in a drugstore robbery gone wrong. The prosecutor portrays Steve as a monster, and he struggles mightily with that label, for he has always considered himself a good person deep down.

Why does Steve Harmon want to know the truth?

Steve does so primarily because he wants to know who he is and what the truth is. This adds a further layer of ambiguity to Steve's already complex character. As we reach the end of Monster, we still don't know the identity of the real Steve Harmon, not least because he doesn't seem to know it himself.

What does Steve think about his father?

He knows that his mother is grateful that he is not in jail, but he feels that the distance between him and his father has grown bigger. Steve thinks that his father is no longer sure who his son actually is, but Steve may be projecting his own insecurity in this.

What does Steve do at the end of the book?

In the end of the novel, Steve takes the witness stand and makes a convincing case for his innocence. He describes how he only had a casual acquaintance with the other two teenagers charged and provides a plausible reason as to why he was at the scene of the crime on the day in question.

Why does Steve see his life in cinematic terms?

Steve does so primarily because he wants to know who he is and what the truth is.

Why does Betty Trevino look away from O'Brien?

Betty Trevino I believe the reason O'Brien looks away from him is because she is recognizing the difference between "innocence" and being found "not guilty.". The former is about lacking culpability and the other is about the justice system not having enough evidence to convict.

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Was O'Brien a good lawyer?

O'Brien's job was done. She did what she had to do, and as a professional lawyer, she picked up her things and went to the next case. She was a good lawyer and was able to give her client freedom and get him a 'Not Guilty' sentence. Whether she didn't believe her client was innocent or not isn't valid as that doesn't apply to a professional lawyer. And she said they could appeal if the case didn't turn out, a lawyer wouldn't offer an appeal if they didn't think you were innocent. I also see some people thinking she was racist, she wasn't. A racists lawyer just wouldn't defend you. Her job was done. Steve looked too much into it, a lawyer isn't going to hug their client.

Who is Steve's lawyer?

Kathy O'Brien, Steve's lawyer, informs him on what will happen during the trial. At this stage, only two of the four accused – James King and Steve – will be tried, since the other two accused – Richard "Bobo" Evans and Osvaldo Cruz – have entered into a plea bargain.

Who is the prosecutor in the trial of Steve?

The trial begins with the opening statements of the prosecutor Sandra Petrocelli, Miss O'Brien, and King's lawyer, Asa Briggs. Petrocelli labels the four accused men, including Steve, as "monsters.".

How old is Steve Harmon in the book?

The novel begins with 17-year-old Steve Harmon writing in his book awaiting for his trial for murder. Musing on his short time in prison so far, he decides to record this upcoming experience in the form of a movie screenplay. Kathy O'Brien, Steve's lawyer, informs him on what will happen during the trial. At this stage, only two of the four accused – James King and Steve – will be tried, since the other two accused – Richard "Bobo" Evans and Osvaldo Cruz – have entered into a plea bargain. When the trial first begins, Steve flashes back to a movie he saw in his school's film of predictability.

What is the original plan of the movie "The Coroner"?

According to Cruz, the original plan was that Steve would go into the drugstore and signal if the coast was clear.

What is the theme of the book "The Thug"?

The novel depicts the themes of identity, race, peer pressure, dehumanization, crime, teenaged masculinity, and the relative or subjective nature of the truth. This idea comes up multiple times throughout the novel. There is the truth in relation to the law, but also the truth of a person's character. Steve, during the trial, writes about experiences he has had that directly contradict the thug persona he has been labeled with. The book reads like a formal screenplay, written by Steve Harmon, interspersed with seemingly handwritten fragments from his diary. The screenplay's verisimilitude is enhanced by such cues as "fade in," "voice over," and “fade out." As one critic wrote, the novel is "Presented alternately as the first‑person, handwritten memoir... [and] a neatly typed screenplay." Critics have commented on how the novel offers "surface effects – marginalia, drawing, photographs, mugshots, and video stills – to offer an analysis of the complex identities that emerge in the context of such surfaces." Generally, the novel has been praised for remarkably sophisticated levels of thematic and formal complexity, considering its ostensible status as a young adult novel. As another critic wrote, " Monster is an experiment in form and structure," demonstrating Steve's "vent [ing of] his passionate perplexity."

What does Steve write in his notes?

Before returning to the trial, Steve writes in his notes that he cannot psycholog ically handle writing down the tragic details of the robbery itself.

When was Monster by Walter Dean Myers published?

PZ7.M992 Mon 2004. Monster, published April 21, 1999 by HarperCollins, is a young adult drama novel by American author Walter Dean Myers. It was nominated for the 1999 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, won the Michael L. Printz Award in 2000, and was named a Coretta Scott King Award Honor the same year.

When Bobo explains that King did not intend to commit murder, the reader is prompted to consider the importance of?

When Bobo explains that King did not intend to commit murder, the reader is prompted to consider the importance of intention when analyzing a crime. Does James King’s intention really matter when deciding his sentence? Similarly, Steve’s alleged involvement in the crime is as a conspirator, not as a perpetrator. However, Petrocelli argues that all four men involved are equally culpable in the murder. Once again, the reader is prompted to analyze intention and involvement and form an opinion about whether these issues are valid in a court of law.

What does Steve think about Jerry?

Once again, Steve expresses his suicidal ideations. Before falling asleep, Steve thinks about how much he misses his younger brother, Jerry. The trial continues on the following day. Briggs calls James King’s cousin to the stand to testify as a character witness.

What does Briggs say about Bobo?

During his cross-examination, Briggs confronts Bobo about his involvement in the crime and Bobo’s drug-dealing past. Briggs asserts that Bobo, as the “experienced” criminal, coerced James into the crime. Briggs also argues that Bobo is inherently selfish and merely testifying in order to shorten his own sentence.

What does Bobo tell O'Brien about Osvaldo?

Bobo tells O’Brien that he does not know Osvaldo well, and that he never threatened Osvaldo nor pressured him to be an accomplice. Bobo confirms that both he and King were waiting for Steve to give them the “all-clear” before entering the drugstore.

Why is Bobo in prison?

Bobo is currently serving time in prison for selling drugs, and he tells the jury that he’s been previously arrested for breaking ...

What is Asa Briggs' role in the King's defense case?

During King’s defense case, Asa Briggs calls King’s cousin to the stand. This testimony is an example of the role of character witnesses in the court case. Briggs uses King’s cousin’s point of view to try and vouch for his defendant’s character. However, it is clear that his cousin does not know much about James and his habits, values, or beliefs.

Why is Bobo's prison suit damaging to James King?

In this way, Bobo’s prison suit is damaging to James King, as King is the suspect most closely connected to Bobo.

Who is the defense attorney in Steve's movie?

In Steve's screenplay, Kathy is "the defense attorney with doubts" (2.16). She's "all business as she talks to Steve" (2.32), and sees no need to believe her clients, or even to believe in them—her job is only to prove their innocence to a jury.

What does Sandra call Steve?

Steve isn't a person to Sandra. He is what she calls him: a monster. In her words, monsters are "people who are willing to steal and to kill, people who disregard the rights of others" (2.80). This makes Steve, Bobo, and King all monsters who deserve to get slapped with guilty verdicts and locked away for life… which is exactly what she tells the jury in her opening and closing statements. In Petrocelli's words, lookout or not, Steve "is as guilty as everybody else, no matter how many moral hairs he can split" (18.238). She accuses him of toilet-level morals, because no matter how much he may believe in his own innocence, he is, in fact, complicit in the murder.