The novel Monster by Walter Dean Myers is a powerful and thought-provoking story that explores the complexities of the American criminal justice system through the eyes of a young African-American teenager named Steve Harmon. The novel is written in the form of a screenplay, journal entries, and first-person narrative, providing a unique and engaging perspective on the experiences of a young man on trial for murder. As the story unfolds, the reader is confronted with questions about guilt, innocence, and the impact of societal expectations on the lives of young people. Through Steve's eyes, the reader is taken on a journey through the criminal justice system, highlighting the challenges faced by those caught in its grip. This essay will provide a summary and analysis of Monster by Dean Myers, exploring the themes, characters, and social issues presented in the novel. By delving into the historical and social context of the story, as well as relevant theories and research on the criminal justice system, this essay will provide a comprehensive understanding of the novel and its importance in today's society. Ultimately, this essay will demonstrate that Monster offers a powerful commentary on the failures of the American criminal justice system, particularly in its treatment of youth of color, and provides a compelling case for reform. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay The first body paragraph will focus on the theme of innocence and guilt in Monster. Throughout the novel, Steve Harmon struggles with his own feelings of guilt and innocence as he is put on trial for murder. The theme of innocence and guilt is depicted through Steve's internal struggle as he questions his own involvement in the crime. For example, in the novel's screenplay format, the reader gains insight into Steve's thoughts as he struggles with his own sense of responsibility for the crime. This is evident when he reflects on his own actions and the choices he made that led him to become involved in crime. Through Steve's narration and his journal entries, the reader is able to see the impact of societal expectations and the criminal justice system on a young person's sense of guilt and innocence. This theme provides a powerful commentary on the complexity of the American criminal justice system and its impact on the lives of young people. Ultimately, the theme of innocence and guilt in Monster makes the reader question the fairness of the system and how it can impact the lives of those caught under its influence. The second body paragraph will focus on character development in Monster. Throughout the novel, Steve Harmon undergoes a significant transformation as he navigates the criminal justice system. At the beginning of the novel, Steve is a young aspiring filmmaker who dreams of going to college and pursuing a career in film. However, as the story unfolds, he finds himself thrust into the harsh reality of the criminal justice system and is forced to confront the harsh realities of his situation. This is evident in his journal entries, where he reflects on how the trial changed him and the impact it had on his perception of himself. As the reader follows Steve's journey, they are able to see how he is shaped by his experiences and the challenges he faces. This character development constitutes a powerful commentary on how the criminal justice system can have..