Monkeyman By Walter Dean Myers

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In the story “Monkeyman” by Walter Dean Myers, the main character Monkeyman demonstrates courage by risking his life in order to save a girl. Monkeyman was coming out of school and notices a gang member trying to cut a girl, Monkeyman saves the girl by knocking the blade out of the gang member's hand knowing that he may be killed for that courageous action, and later on was beaten and stabbed. As the narrator saw Monkeyman two days after his beating, the narrator shares his opinion on why he was stupid for not fighting Monkeyman explains that “I was hurt,” Monkeyman said. I was hurt but they were wrong, not me.” (88) The quote is significant to the theme that each time we take risks we gain courage, if we cannot take risks we will not succeed.