O'BRIEN

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.