Exploring "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers

How does Steve Harmon's character develop throughout the novel?

• He becomes more confident in his innocence.

• He remains unchanged, steadfast in his perspective from beginning to end.

• He grows more uncertain and fearful about his identity and the future.

• He becomes more aggressive and resentful towards the justice system.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What is a major theme of "Monster"?

• The power of friendship

• The ambiguity of guilt and innocence

• The importance of family

• The adventure of growing up

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is Walter Dean Myers' primary purpose in writing "Monster"?

• To entertain readers with a thrilling court drama

• To explore the complexities of the criminal justice system through a fictional narrative

• To provide a factual account of a real criminal case

• To argue for the reform of the juvenile justice system

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

Which example of figurative language is used to describe Steve Harmon's feelings of isolation?

• "Steve felt like a ship lost at sea."

• "He was a bird trapped in a cage."

• "His heart was a drum beating wildly out of control."

• "Steve was a ghost in his own life, unseen and unheard."

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9

What inference can be made about Steve's parents' perspective on his situation?

• They believe Steve is guilty and are ashamed of him.

• They are indifferent to Steve's plight and remain distant.

• They are supportive but struggle with their own doubts about his innocence.

• They are completely confident in Steve's innocence and fight tirelessly for him.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

How does the relationship between Steve and his lawyer, O'Brien, contrast with his relationship with James King?

• O'Brien is more understanding and compassionate towards Steve than James King.

• O'Brien is strictly professional and distant, while James King offers a brotherly bond.

• O'Brien doubts Steve's innocence, whereas James King fully believes in him.

• O'Brien offers legal guidance, while James King influences Steve into negative behaviors.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What motif is recurrent throughout "Monster" and contributes to its themes?

• Dreams of freedom

• Images of monsters and monstrous acts

• References to classic literature

• Scenes depicting family meals

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How does the novel's structure affect the reader's understanding of Steve's character?

• It confuses the reader, making it difficult to sympathize with Steve.

• It provides a clear, linear progression of Steve's guilt or innocence.

• It offers a multifaceted view of Steve, blending his personal reflections with the trial.

• It focuses solely on the legal aspects, neglecting Steve's personal development.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9

What can be inferred about the author's perspective on the criminal justice system?

• He views it as a well-oiled machine that rarely makes mistakes.

• He sees it as flawed and often failing those it is meant to protect.

• He believes it is overly lenient and needs to be stricter.

• He thinks it is perfect and should not be questioned.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

Which character serves as a foil to Steve Harmon, highlighting his internal conflicts?

• James King

• O'Brien

• Jerry

• Mr. Sawicki

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3