P.J. O'Rourke once said, "Family love is messy, clinging, and of an annoying and repetitive pattern, like bad wallpaper." It seems like O'Rourke must have read Monster, right? Jerry looks up to Steve, Steve's mother believes in his innocence, and Steve's parents come—every day—to sit in the courtroom. They also visit him in jail, but it doesn't really help Steve's terror and confusion. Steve's mind is so jumbled, Mom claiming his innocence doesn't convince him that she's right. Knowing Jerry is watching him doesn't ease his guilt, either. Perhaps Steve's father knows best when he moves away, widening the gap with a son he thought he knew. That's the thing about family love: It endures, it believes, it forgives… but that doesn't mean it ain't messy.
Questions About Family
- When is loyalty a requirement in family relationships? Are some relationships more important than others in the loyalty department?
- How would Jerry respond differently if he were a little sister instead?
- Will Steve's dad ever forgive his son and return? Why or why not?
- If you committed a crime and your mom thought you were innocent, would you tell her the truth? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Steve's mother shows Steve more love than his father does because she continues to believe in his innocence while his father doubts it.
Steve's relationship with Jerry will never be the same after the trial.