Question

8th ela unit 1 novel homework
directions: read and annotate pages 1-44 of monster. then, answer the questions below.

1. why does the narrator decide to write a movie called monster?

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

1. what do steve’s choices in writing his story as a screenplay reveal about his character and feelings about the trial?

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

1. in your own words, summarize sandra petrocelli’s opening argument against the two defendants, james king and steve harmon.

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

Explanation:

Question 1

In the novel "Monster", the narrator (Steve Harmon) decides to write a movie called "Monster" as a way to cope with his situation of being on trial for a crime. He views his life and the trial as a kind of story, and by framing it as a screenplay, he is trying to distance himself from the harsh reality of being labeled a "monster" by the prosecution and to make sense of his experiences. It's a form of self - expression and a means to explore his identity and the events surrounding the trial.

Writing the story as a screenplay reveals that Steve is an observant and creative character. He is trying to gain some control over the situation by framing the trial as a story. The screenplay format, with its focus on scenes and dialogue, shows that he wants to present the trial in a more objective - seeming way, perhaps to understand the different perspectives involved. It also reveals his feelings of alienation and the desire to separate himself from the trial's harsh reality, as if he is an outside observer of his own life.

Sandra Petrocelli's opening argument against James King and Steve Harmon is that they were involved in a robbery that led to a murder. She likely portrays them as part of a criminal enterprise, with King as a more active participant in the robbery and murder, and Steve as an accomplice who helped in the planning or execution (such as acting as a lookout). She aims to convince the jury that both are guilty of the crimes related to the robbery - murder incident.

Answer:

The narrator (Steve Harmon) decides to write a movie called "Monster" to cope with his trial situation, distance himself from the "monster" label, and make sense of his experiences through self - expression and exploring his identity.

Question 2