figurtive language in monster by walter dean myers

3 min read 24-01-2025

figurtive language in monster by walter dean myers

Walter Dean Myers' Monster is a powerful coming-of-age story told through the journal entries of sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon. Beyond its gripping narrative of a young man on trial for felony murder, the novel masterfully employs figurative language to deepen the reader's understanding of Steve's emotional state, the complexities of the trial, and the pervasive atmosphere of injustice. This article explores the key roles of metaphor, simile, imagery, and other literary devices in shaping the novel's impact.

Metaphors: Reflecting Steve's Internal Struggle

Steve constantly uses metaphors to illustrate his internal conflicts and perceptions. The trial itself becomes a recurring metaphor:

"This trial is a movie, and I am watching it." This powerful metaphor highlights Steve's detached perspective, his attempt to objectify the overwhelming situation and analyze it like a film rather than experiencing it emotionally. It's a coping mechanism in the face of immense pressure.
"I feel like a character in a movie." This echoes the previous metaphor, reinforcing Steve's feelings of being outside of his own life. He observes himself and his actions with a detached, almost cinematic, viewpoint.

These metaphors effectively portray Steve's emotional distance, a survival mechanism in a terrifying situation.

Similes: Painting Vivid Pictures

Myers uses similes to create vivid imagery and to emphasize particular emotions:

"My heart was pounding like a drum." This simple simile conveys the intensity of Steve's fear and anxiety, creating a physical manifestation of his internal turmoil.
"The courtroom was as cold as a tomb." The simile emphasizes the chilling atmosphere of the courtroom, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the lack of warmth or support Steve feels.

The use of these similes creates a strong connection between the reader and Steve’s experiences.

Imagery: Evoking Atmosphere and Emotion

The novel is rife with powerful imagery that enhances the narrative. Myers' descriptions frequently appeal to multiple senses, drawing the reader into the bleak reality of Steve's life:

Descriptions of the prison: Myers uses imagery to depict the stark, harsh environment of the prison, creating a sense of confinement and hopelessness. The cold, metallic feel, the smells, and the sounds contribute to the overall oppressive atmosphere.
Descriptions of the courtroom: The courtroom's cold, sterile environment reflects the coldness of the justice system itself, creating a feeling of isolation and alienation for Steve.

The effective use of imagery helps readers fully experience the settings of the novel.

Personification: Giving Life to Inanimate Objects

Myers also uses personification to add layers of meaning:

"The camera seemed to stare at me." This subtly hints at the ever-present surveillance and scrutiny Steve feels throughout the trial, even from seemingly inanimate objects.

This personification subtly enhances the feeling of being watched, a significant theme within the story.

The Power of the Journal Entries: A Metaphor for Self-Discovery

The novel’s structure itself acts as a powerful extended metaphor. Steve's journal entries represent his attempt to process his experiences and understand his own role in the events. By writing, he seeks clarity, control, and perhaps even redemption. The entries become a space for self-discovery and a testament to the resilient human spirit in the face of adversity.

Conclusion: The Cumulative Effect of Figurative Language

In Monster, the cumulative effect of these various figurative language techniques creates a richly textured narrative that goes far beyond a simple recounting of events. The metaphors, similes, imagery, and personification work together to immerse the reader in Steve’s emotional world, allowing for a deeper understanding of the complexities of the legal system, the challenges of adolescence, and the enduring power of hope. The skillful use of figurative language elevates Monster from a compelling courtroom drama to a poignant exploration of innocence, guilt, and the search for identity within a system often characterized by bias and inequity.