Kelleher, Joette / Monster

Paragraph: Assigned Thursday, May 16th DUE Friday, May 17th

Minimum of 7 sentences

"A half truth is a whole lie." -Jewish Proverb

1) Write down quote. (A Jewish proverb states, "-----")

2) Explain the quote's meaning.

3) Agree or disagree with the quote.

4) Relate the quote to the book Monster. State and explain at least THREE examples from the book that prove this idea.

Monster: Argument Essay

Is Steven Harmon GUILTY or INNOCENT

of felony murder?

As testimonies are heard in the courtroom, it is the responsibility of the jury to judge the information and the witnesses carefully and objectively in order to reach a just verdict. Once you have filled in your juror's notes, you must make a decision about Steve Harmon and his involvement in the drugstore holdup.

In a 5-paragraph essay, provide at least 6 pieces of evidence to support your decision. Use details from the story, and build upon each example until you reach the most important piece of evidence. In other words, start with smaller details, and then lead to the most convincing pieces.

An excellent debater will also consider the point of his opponent, so you must also consider evidence that contradicts your opinion. Explain why these contradictory pieces of evidence are not convincing and why they do not change your opinion about Steve’s innocence or guilt. Be specific and persuasive.

Choose ONE: Steve is INNOCENT. -OR- Steve is GUILTY.

THESIS= _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

List SIX examples from the text that support your CLAIM about Steve.

List TWO examples from the text that contradict your CLAIM.

Explain why these contradictory pieces of textual evidence are not convincing, why they do not change your opinion about Steve’s innocence or guilt. Be specific and persuasive.

MonsterCharacters

1. Steve Harmon:16 year old protagonist; on trial for felony murder; former student atStuyvesantHigh Schoolwho studied film; creating a movie of his experiences

2. Sandra Petrocelli:dedicated prosecutor determined to put Steve and others in jail; has dark, intense features and a commanding presence

3. Kathy O’Brien:Steve's defense lawyer who has doubts in his innocence; petite with freckles; lacking presence

4. Jose Delgado:worked at the store and found the body; competing black belt who also acts as bodyguard

5. Asa Briggs:King's defense attorney who urges jury to be careful of criminals' testimonies; wants to help his client's reputation by linking him to Steve

6. Mr. Sawicki:Steve's film teacher and mentor; featured in flashbacks to show Steve's background or to make connections to the present

7. Alguinaldo Nesbitt:55-year-old owner of drugstore who was shot and killed during the hold-up with his own gun; "well respected...hard-working Black guy"

8. Sal Zinzi:overweight, nervous resident of Riker'sIslandwho tells stories to get out of jail before he is raped; first to give info on holdup which leads to Bolden

9. Wendell Bolden:average size with large ashy hands and always angry; tells Zinzi about stolen cigarettes from holdup; assault charges dropped for info

10. Jerry:Steve's 11-year-old brother; looks up to him and wants to be Robin with Steve as Batman

11. Detective Williams:young undercover cop who brings Steve in for questioning; doesn't believe he is involved in holdup

12. Detective Karyl:overweight, lazy cop who depends more on stories than actual evidence, such as fingerprints; would like to see Steve get death penalty

13. Osvaldo Cruz:14-year-old member of the Diablos; claims he was bullied into being involved in holdup; job was to push garbage can to impede witnesses

14. Mr. Harmon:Steve's dad who doubts his son's innocence; dreamed his son would attend Morehouse like he did

15. Mrs. Harmon:Steve's mom; home when Steve was apprehended; believes her son is innocent

16. Lorelle Henry:58-year-old retired school librarian who was in the drugstore to get medicine for her granddaughter at the time of the robbery; has difficulty remembering details and faces

17. Ernie:prisoner who attempted to rob a jewelry store but failed; claims he is not guilty but made a mistake

18. Sunset:one of Steve's prison "friends"; not worried about guilty verdict because 5 years in prison is easy for him

19. Richard “Bobo” Evans:large, ugly drug dealer and murderer with uncombed hair and wrinkled prison jump suit; helped plan holdup and shared profits with James King, which included a fried chicken dinner

20. Dorothy Moore:King's cousin who was given a cheap (possibly broken or stolen) lamp; meant to positively testify about King's redeeming qualities

Monster: List #1 Definitions

1) Dispensary (n) - clinic where medicine and medical supplies are dispensed

2) Grainy (adj) -having a granular appearance; rough, unclear

3) Felony (n) - an offense, as murder or burglary, of graver character than those called misdemeanors, esp. those commonly punished in theU.S.by imprisonment for more than a year

4) Impede (v) - to delay in movement or progress by means of obstacles or hindrances; obstruct

5) Redress (v) - to set right; remedy or repair; to correct or reform

6) Grandiose (adj) - more complicated or elaborate than necessary; grand in an imposing or impressive way

7) Careens (v) - to lean, sway, or tip to one side while in motion

8) Tentative (adj) - done as a trial, experiment, or attempt; hesitant, unsure

9) Affidavit (n) - a written declaration upon oath made before an authorized official

10) Grotesque (adj) - odd or unnatural in shape, appearance, or character; fantastically ugly or absurd; bizarre

11) Grimace (n) - a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.

12) Perpetrator (n) - one who commits an offense or crime

13) Apprehended (v) -to take into custody; arrest by legal warrant or authority

14) Cacophony (n) - harsh, unpleasing sound

15) Glowers (v) - to look or stare with sullen dislike, discontent, or anger

Monster Extra Credit Options

1. Courtroom Artist: Courtroom artists depict important people in the courtroom, such as witnesses, lawyers, judges, and clients. These artists focus on distinguishing features, personalities, and emotions. They may also depict important moments in the courtroom.

2. Letter Writing:Because visiting is limited in jail, many prisoners and families of prisoners depend on letter writing as a form of communication. Create a correspondence between Steve and any member of the Harmon family. You could also have Steve communicate to any friends or teachers "on the outside." Must have at least two letters from each person or four letters from one person. Be true to the character(s) and events in Monster.

3. Police Report/Statement:When perpetrators are apprehended, they give a written statement to the police that gives exact details of their involvement in the crime, a summary of how it occurred, locations, time sequences, and possibly people involved. Write a statement of the drugstore holdup from the perspective of any character who was allegedly involved. You may also write a statement as a witness or as anyone who has helpful information. Be sure to use a convincing voice, and convey the characters traits through the writing.

You could also give the account of the crime scene from the perspective of a detective. You must use precise, un-biased language that does not use slang, abbreviations, or stereotype. Words of witnesses must be directly quoted but not commented on or analyzed. Police action must be specifically reported as well.

4. Screenplay Writing:Using methods and terminology as modeled by Steve in his screenplay, write out the scene of the drugstore holdup. Include dialogue, camera cuts and angles, and director's notes (such as "screams angrily while holding gun above head" or "drops medicine and runs frantically out the door").