Monster

by

Walter Dean Myers

Mrs. Harmon Character Analysis

Mrs. Harmon is Steve’s mother. Although she believes he is innocent—even when Steve doubts it himself—Mrs. Harmon rarely visits Steve in prison because it is too emotionally painful to see her own son in such an environment. When she does visit, she gives him a Bible and cries the whole time, and Steve regrets how much pain this episode has caused to his family.
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Mrs. Harmon Character Timeline in Monster

The timeline below shows where the character Mrs. Harmon appears in Monster. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Thursday, July 9th
Dehumanization and Racism Theme Icon
Lies and Self-Interest Theme Icon
Two weeks later, Steve’s mother Mrs. Harmon tells him that they caught the two murderers from the drugstore. Steve watches... (full context)
Saturday, July 11th
Dehumanization and Racism Theme Icon
Injustice Theme Icon
Mrs. Harmon visits Steve in jail. She tries to explain why she hasn’t visited him sooner, but... (full context)
Sunday, July 12th
Dehumanization and Racism Theme Icon
...parents visit one at a time and act cheerful for him, though Steve senses that Mrs. Harmon is “mourning me as if I were dead.” After they leave, there is too much... (full context)
Monday, July 13th
Lies and Self-Interest Theme Icon
Injustice Theme Icon
...they’ll adjourn for the day and the defense can make its case in the morning. Mrs. Harmon talks to O’Brien and a guard stands next to Steve as the jury files out. (full context)
Friday afternoon, July 17th
Dehumanization and Racism Theme Icon
...he knows there is nothing left to do. He used to feel sorry for his mother, who was crying in desperation as Steve was led out of the courtroom yesterday, but... (full context)
Dehumanization and Racism Theme Icon
Lies and Self-Interest Theme Icon
Injustice Theme Icon
...and leads him out of the courtroom: guilty. The juror reads his verdict for Steve. Mrs. Harmon listens with clasped hands before she throws them in the air and closes her eyes.... (full context)