Comprehensive Review of Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Literature Reviews - 2025

Comprehensive Review of Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Walter Dean Myers’ Monster is a gripping young adult novel that explores themes of race, justice, morality, and identity through the lens of a teenage boy on trial for felony murder. Written in a unique screenplay format interwoven with diary entries, the novel immerses readers in the complex reality of the American legal system while challenging perceptions of innocence and guilt.

Plot Summary and Themes

The story follows 16-year-old Steve Harmon, a Black teenager from Harlem who is accused of acting as a lookout in a botched robbery that resulted in the death of a store owner. As he sits in prison awaiting trial, Steve copes with his situation by writing his experiences as a film script—his way of distancing himself from the terrifying reality of his circumstances.

The novel explores several critical themes, including:

  • The Criminal Justice System and Racial Bias: Steve’s experience highlights the systemic prejudices in the legal system, where Black youth are often presumed guilty before being proven innocent.
  • Identity and Perception: Throughout the trial, Steve grapples with how others see him—his defense attorney, the jury, even his own family—and whether he is truly the "monster" the prosecutor claims he is.
  • Truth and Morality: The story presents a layered exploration of guilt and innocence, raising the question of whether Steve played a role in the crime and what it means to be morally responsible.

Writing Style and Narrative Structure

Myers’ choice to write Monster in a screenplay format adds a cinematic quality to the novel, making the courtroom drama feel immediate and real. The first-person diary entries provide a contrast, allowing readers to see Steve’s fears, doubts, and attempts to make sense of his experience. While some readers may find the script format challenging at first, it ultimately enhances the novel’s immersive storytelling.

The book’s open-ended conclusion—Steve is acquitted, but his attorney hesitates to embrace him—forces readers to question whether the trial has truly exonerated him in society’s eyes. This ambiguity is one of Monster's most powerful aspects, as it reflects real-life struggles with justice and redemption.

Adaptations and Comparisons

  • The 2018 Netflix Movie: While the film adaptation captures the novel’s themes, it deviates significantly from the original story, altering characters and emphasizing “hood culture” more than Myers did. The movie stands well on its own but lacks the raw authenticity of the book.
  • The Graphic Novel: Adapted by Guy A. Sims and illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile, the graphic novel version of Monster visually enhances the storytelling. The illustrations add emotional depth, making Steve’s fears and experiences more tangible. Many readers find this version more accessible, especially in conveying Steve’s inner turmoil.

Impact and Relevance

Originally published in 1999, Monster remains as relevant today as ever. The novel resonates with contemporary discussions on racial profiling, the school-to-prison pipeline, and how society perceives Black youth in the criminal justice system. Its exploration of bias, truth, and the consequences of a single decision make it an essential read for young adults and educators.

Final Thoughts

Monster is a compelling, thought-provoking novel that forces readers to confront issues of race, justice, and personal identity. Its innovative format, complex protagonist, and morally challenging narrative make it a standout in young adult literature. While its screenplay style may not appeal to everyone, the book’s emotional depth and societal relevance solidify its place as a modern classic.