Literature Companion: Monster

By History World

It is said that Dean Myers had a very troubled young age. Even as a young man, he struggled with his speech and it hindered him from expressing himself openly and completely.

Owing to his this particular speech shortcoming, he was often ridiculed by his classmates and teachers. They deduced that he was an unintelligent boy.

Living with his weakness, Myers took to bad company and started selling drugs in school and streets. He often got into trouble for that.

When he struggled with his speech and expressions, he often tried to defend himself but he hardly succeeded. The classmates labeled him a “Monster.”

The present guide includes introduction to the novel, history and background, the plot overview, all about the characters, complete summary of the original text, and critical analysis. However, it is advised that the readers must read the original novel to understand the subtle aspects of novel writing.

Literature Companion: Monster
Copyright
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Background and History
Chapter Three: Plot Overview
Chapter Four: Characters
Chapter Five: Complete Summary
Chapter Six: Critical Analysis

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raja Sharma
• Release date: Sep 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310044984

Book preview

Literature Companion: Monster

History World

Copyright

Literature Companion: Monster

History World

Copyright@2014 History World

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Chapter One: Introduction

Monster by Walter Dean Myers was first published in 1999. This young adult drama novel by this American author was highly acclaimed by both readers (audiences) and critics.

The novel was nominated for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature in the year of its publication. It also received Michael L. Printz Award in the year 2000.

The novel continued to gain popularity over the next year, and consequently it was also given a Coretta Scott King Award Honor in the year 2000.

The structure of the novel is highly noticeable: there is a mixture of a third-person screenplay and a first-person diary format. The story is presented through the perspective of Steve Harmon.

Steve Harmon happens to be an African American teenager. The entire play revolves around his trial in the state of New York on the charge of a murder.

Chapter Two: Background and History

It is said that Dean Myers had a very troubled young age. Even as a young man, he struggled with his speech and it hindered him from expressing himself openly and completely.

Owing to his this particular speech shortcoming, he was often ridiculed by his classmates and teachers. They deduced that he was an unintelligent boy.

Living with his weakness, Myers took to bad company and started selling drugs in school and streets. He often got into trouble for that.

When he struggled with his speech and expressions, he often tried to defend himself but he hardly succeeded. The classmates labeled him a Monster.

In the novel, Monster, Steve Harmon is also labeled a Monster. It is obvious that the novel is highly autobiographical and the author draws most of inspiration from his personal life experiences.

In the later years, Myers started working as a construction worker. It is said that he was a very obedient student and he listened to the advice given by his teachers very attentively.

While working as a construction worker, he decided that he would sternly follow advice that was given to him by his high school writing teacher. After the completion of his work, every evening, he started writing with complete devotion. He had a kind of zeal to learn and progress.

In the novel Monster, Steve Harmon also writes throughout the story. It is evident that the central character of the drama is modeled on the real life character of the author.

It is necessary to mention here that there is an old law in New York City. According to this law, a person is allowed to react violently and retaliate physically if it becomes necessary to defend himself from an attacker or attackers and there is no chance of retreating from the imminent danger. It is allowed that a person can even kill in self-defense.