Skip to main content

In Monster by Walter Dean Myers, why was Mr. Sawicki an important witness for Steve Harmon's defense?

Throughout the trial, Kathy O'Brien, Steve Harmon's lawyer, continually mentions how important it is for Steve to distance himself from the other individuals involved in the crime. James King, Richard "Bobo" Evans, and Osvaldo Cruz are all thugs who have a bad reputation. Steve Harmon is simply a good kid who began associating with these individuals in order to fit-in and be cool. Mr. Sawicki runs the film club at Steve's school and is Steve's...

Throughout the trial, Kathy O'Brien, Steve Harmon's lawyer, continually mentions how important it is for Steve to distance himself from the other individuals involved in the crime. James King, Richard "Bobo" Evans, and Osvaldo Cruz are all thugs who have a bad reputation. Steve Harmon is simply a good kid who began associating with these individuals in order to fit-in and be cool. Mr. Sawicki runs the film club at Steve's school and is Steve's teacher. O'Brien uses Mr. Sawicki to testify that Steve Harmon is a good person who has a positive reputation. When O'Brien asks Mr. Sawicki what he thinks about Steve, Mr. Sawicki comments that Steve is an outstanding young man who is bright, talented, and compassionate. Mr. Sawicki also testifies that he believes that Steve is an honest person. Mr. Sawicki's testimony is significant because his positive opinion of Steve portrays Steve to be an honorable, trustworthy young man. The jury takes into account that Steve is not like the other individuals involved in the case, who do not have any reputable people to speak highly of them. Mr. Sawicki's testimony essentially distances Steve from James, Bobo, and Osvaldo. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is hyperbole in the story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry?

The most obvious use of hyperbole in "The Gift of the Magi" occurs when the narrator describes Della's and Jim's evaluations of their two treasures—her long, luxuriant hair and his gold watch. Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his... The most obvious use of hyperbole in "The Gift of the Magi" occurs when the narrator describes Della's and Jim's evaluations of their two treasures—her long, luxuriant hair and his gold watch. Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him plu
Post a Comment
Read more

How can I analyze Moon and Six Pence by Somerset Maugham?

In "Moon and Sixpence," loosely based on the life of Paul Gaugin, Maugham presents a study of the tension between the "civilized" life of 19th century Europe, and the lead character's desire to throw off the shackles of bourgeois life. Charles Strickland is a middle-aged English stockbroker with a wife and family. By abandoning his domestic life, Strickland commits what many in European society would consider a gross betrayal of one of the foundations of... In "Moon and Sixpence," loosely based on the life of Paul Gaugin, Maugham presents a study of the tension between the "civilized" life of 19th century Europe, and the lead character's desire to throw off the shackles of bourgeois life. Charles Strickland is a middle-aged English stockbroker with a wife and family. By abandoning his domestic life, Strickland commits what many in European society would consider a gross betrayal of one of the foundations of that society. His decision to e
Post a Comment
Read more

What are some literary devices in Macbeth, Act V, Scene 1?

Act V, Scene i of Macbeth certainly continues the imagery that is prevalent in the play with its phantasmagoric realm, as in this scene a succession of things are seen or imagined by Lady Macbeth. Imagery - The representation of sensory experience Lady Macbeth imagines that she sees bloody spots (visual imagery) on the stairs; she also smells blood (olfactory imagery): Here's the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not... Act V, Scene i of Macbeth certainly continues the imagery that is prevalent in the play with its phantasmagoric realm, as in this scene a succession of things are seen or imagined by Lady Macbeth. Imagery - The representation of sensory experience Lady Macbeth imagines that she sees bloody spots (visual imagery) on the stairs; she also smells blood (olfactory imagery): Here's the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh! oh, oh! (5.1.53-55) Hyperbole - Obvious exaggeration  There is also h
Post a Comment
Read more