Name______
Date______
Monster Discussion Guide:
Pages 1-44
- Why does Steven write the movie? Why does he title it as he does? (4-5)
- Note the cast list (10)
- Describe Steve’s relationship with O’brien. Does she believe he is innocent? (12) Do you?
- Who was Sawicki? What were his thoughts on predictability? Why might these ideas matter? (19)
- Describe the facts of the case(22-23)
- What is the charge against Steve? (24)
- What does felony murder mean?
- Why does Briggs try to make Jose look bad? (31)
- How is doubt cast on Zinzi’s testimony? (37)
10. Consider This: Do you believe the justice system in America is truly just? Support your answer.
11.What purpose does the flashback serve (42-43)
Pages 44-84
11. What complaint does Peaches have? (50) In your opinion, are these complaints fair?
12. Why is Bobo called a rat? (53)
13. What must Steve and the other inmates endure? (57)
14. Why would Steven include this memory in his film? (58)
15. What mind games do the police play with Steven? (72)
16. Does the event on page 73 actually happen? How do you know? (73)
17. Why does Steven seem guilty even before the trial begins? (78) Does this seem realistic to you? Why or why not?
18. Describe Osvaldo. (84)
Pages 84-124
19. What is O’brien attempting to learn about Steve? (92)
20. How did Steven’s opinion of King change? (96)
21. According to Osvaldo, what roles did each of the teens play? (100)
22. How does O’brien’s question shake Osvaldo’s credibility? (109)
23. What dreams did Steven’s dad have for him? (111-112)
24. Consider this: How does Steven feel about disappointing his parents? How would you feel if you were in his shoes?
Pages 124-164
25. Discuss Steve’s worry about loss of individuality. Why does this worry him so much? (129)
26. What is O’brien’s point about the way Steve phrases his innocence? (138)
27. Are Steve’s feelings justified or is he in denial? (140) (148)
28. Steven believes (146) that the trial is not about race. In what way is he right? Is there another interpretation in which he is wrong?
29. In your opinion, why might Steve have himself and King “become tiny figures in the mosaic of Harlem”(151). What might this suggest?
30. Steve believes he solved the riddle of why there are so many fights in jail. What is his opinion? (155) Does this seem true to you in your own life?
Pages 164- 204
31. Why does Ms. Henry hesitate to testify against King? (169)
32. What was the role of drugs in the robbery? (179)
33. Why does it matter that Bobo and King went out to eat after the robbery? (181)
Pages 204-244
34. What gift did Bobo buy his aunt? Why might this be mentioned? (212)
35. What does O’brien use the cup for? Does it seem appropriate to you? (217)
Pages 244-End
36. O’brien argues there is reasonable doubt. Do you agree? (253)
37. The lawyer argues all are equally guilty. Do you agree? (260)
38. Steven edits his story on page 271. Why would he feel compelled to change past in his own mind?
39. At the end of the text, O’brien refuses to embrace Stephen. Was this an effective end for the story? Why or why not?