Prologue Summary

The fictional author of this story, Steve Harmon, writes in a printing, non-cursive style about his impression of prison and why he is writing the story. Steve writes in a notebook that the prison authorities allow him to keep. He describes how his looks have changed, the terrible violence in prison, that he must live with fear every moment, and when he feels safe enough to cry. Steve ends the untitled prologue with a brief explanation of why he chose the title Monster.

Prologue Analysis

The untitled prologue is an introductory narrative by the fictional author, Steve Harmon. This piece builds tension and horror in its brief, violent descriptions of the prison experience and how it changes people. Every word and nuance demands to be read slowly and considered at length. The prologue acts as an introductory poem, giving the reader a sense...