English 323: Monster Blog

I finished Monster and immediately had to access the Internet and the end of novel questions to make sure that Steve was appropriately released from a prison sentence.  I spent most of the novel pulling for the kid who has done what we all did at one time or another, chosen to associate himself with the wrong people at a horribly inopportune time.  Throughout the story I kept telling myself there was no way he could be convicted based on the evidence presented.  As I began to process that in my “rational”/“adult” brain I was immediately haunted by how the Young Adult audience this book was intended for would interpret the story Steve was telling. 

First off, they would probably not be as familiar with the ins and outs of the legal system the way that I am, not that I am an expert, but I have read a lot of crime novels in my life time up to this point. Secondly, it really is unclear exactly what has transpired for 80% of the novel.  Steve acts in an incredibly guilty manner and seems fairly sure of his own guilt.  One thing I remember about my adolescent years was overwhelming guilt about the rules I had broken—no matter how minor they were.  Ultimately I think students of all background will relate well to Steve’s plight.  Jail is the most looming of all punishments for bad behavior, and what Steve truly learns is that one mistake could cost him his entire youth. 

Monster is written in a coming of age style, and it is very easy to follow visually.  We have been working the past few weeks on how to break down texts for students who may be struggling readers.  Yesterday, Dylan showed us one that involved drawing particular pieces or lines of text.  I think this novel would be an excellent opportunity for students to visualize the unfolding action.  Steve uses descriptive detail and movie style blocking that could enable students to process the scene more fully than complex literature. Additionally, it would be a great opportunity to bring in some outside research on the legal system in an applicable way for students. 

Students between the ages of 11-18 have many life experiences that are never documented in the literature they read.  Monster portrays one of them, but normalizes many more.  Steve is neither a criminal nor a member of a gang, instead he’s a high school aged student who wants to make movies, but who is also a little desperate to find a place for himself.  I think that’s the baseline desire of every middle and high school student.  They want a comfortable place to express themselves, and if they cannot find a healthy outlet—they will turn to any avenue to find acceptance.  This goes back to my teaching philosophy. I want my students to find that refuge in my classroom among the books.  Steve’s film instructor clearly provides that outlet for his students, and he supported Steve even after he was arrested.  Steve not only felt safe in that environment, but it also provided him comfort when he could not be physically present in it.  By giving our students the tools necessary to succeed in the often-scary environments outside of school, we give them the opportunity to escape and to rise above their circumstances regardless of what they may be.