O'BRIEN

Question

Can you give us your opinion of Mr. Harmon's work?

SAWICKI

I think he's an outstanding young man. He is talented, bright, and compassionate. He's very much involved with depicting his neighborhood and environment in a positive manner.

O'BRIEN

Do you consider him an honest young man?

SAWICKI

Absolutely.

. . .

O'BRIEN

Nothing further.

. . .

PETROCELLI

You said you're a teacher in Mr. Harmon's school. Do you live in his neighborhood?

SAWICKI

No, I don't.

PETROCELLI

So although you want to vouch for his character, isn't it fair to say that you don't know what he does when he goes to his neighborhood and you go home to yours?

SAWICKI

No, it's not. His film footage shows me what he's seeing and, to a large extent, what he's thinking. And what he sees, the humanity of it, speaks of a very deep character.

PETROCELLI

What was he doing on the afternoon of December 22nd? Did he show you a film of that day?

SAWICKI

No, he did not.

PETROCELLI

Do you feel that the ability to make a film means that someone is honest?

SAWICKI

It is my belief that to make an honest film, one has to be an honest person. I would say that. And I do believe in Steve's honesty.

—Monster,
Walter Dean Myers

Do you believe Mr. Sawicki’s characterization of Steve? Give evidence from the passage to support your answer.

Answer 1

Mr. Sawicki's characterization of Steve Harmon is depicted as positive and affirming, emphasizing Steve's talent, compassion, and honesty. To assess whether one believes in Mr. Sawicki’s portrayal, we can look at specific evidence from the passage.

1. Talent and Passion for the Community: Sawicki describes Steve as "outstanding," "talented," "bright," and "compassionate," indicating that he sees Steve in a favorable light. He appreciates Steve's involvement in depicting his neighborhood positively, which suggests that Steve has a vested interest in and care for his community.

2. Honesty: When O'Brien asks if Sawicki considers Steve to be honest, Sawicki's emphatic response of "Absolutely" signifies his strong belief in Steve's integrity. This suggests that Sawicki has observed behaviors or qualities in Steve that lead him to trust him.

3. Film as an Expression of Character: Sawicki argues that "his film footage shows me what he's seeing and, to a large extent, what he's thinking." This reflects Sawicki's belief that art can be a genuine reflection of one's character and values, and by stating that the footage speaks of "the humanity of it," he implies that Steve captures the essence of honest and real experiences in his work.

4. Connection Between Character and Art: Sawicki posits that making an honest film requires the filmmaker to be honest, saying, "It is my belief that to make an honest film, one has to be an honest person." This reasoning supports the idea that Sawicki sees Steve's artistic expression as reflective of his personal honesty.

In conclusion, Mr. Sawicki's characterization of Steve is rooted in admiration and trust. He emphasizes Steve's talent as a filmmaker and his honesty as a person, providing a foundation for believing in his positive depiction. The evidence of Sawicki's insights into Steve's character is compelling, leading one to consider his views as credible and truthful.