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Analyzing Jose Delgado’s Reliability in Monster

In Walter Dean Myers' novel Monster, Jose Delgado is the first witness called to testify during the trial. As an employee at the drugstore where the crime occurred, his perspective provides the jury with an initial look at the scene of the tragedy.

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Jose Delgado’s Role and Testimony

Jose Delgado was a young clerk working at the drugstore owned by Alguinaldo Nesbitt. On the day of the robbery, Delgado had stepped out for a short break and returned to find Mr. Nesbitt dead behind the counter. During his testimony, he provides a factual account of the inventory, noting that several cartons of cigarettes were missing. Because he was an employee with a consistent work history, the prosecution uses him to establish that a robbery-homicide actually took place.

Evidence of Reliability

Many readers consider Jose Delgado one of the most reliable characters in the book. Unlike witnesses like Bobo Evans or Osvaldo Cruz, Delgado has no criminal record and no personal incentive to lie to the court. He does not receive a plea deal for his testimony, nor is he trying to shift blame onto others. His observations are based on his professional knowledge of the store's stock, making his claim about the stolen cigarettes difficult to dispute.

The Limitations of His Perspective

While Delgado is honest, his reliability is limited by what he did not see. He was not present in the store at the exact moment the shooting occurred. Therefore, while he can reliably testify that a crime happened, he cannot identify the shooters or confirm if Steve Harmon acted as a lookout. In a legal sense, he is a 'foundation witness'—he proves a crime was committed, but he cannot link specific defendants to the act itself.

Study Tips for Essays and Discussions

When writing about Delgado, contrast his testimony with that of the 'jailhouse' witnesses. Compare his calm, professional demeanor with the coached or aggressive tones of other characters. For a class discussion, consider how the prosecution uses Delgado's integrity to build early momentum in the case, even though his testimony doesn't directly incriminate Steve Harmon.

What did Jose Delgado discover in the drugstore?

He discovered the body of the store owner, Mr. Nesbitt, and noticed that several cartons of cigarettes were missing from the inventory.

Does Jose Delgado identify Steve Harmon in court?

No, Jose Delgado does not identify Steve Harmon because he was not in the store when the robbery took place.

Why is Jose Delgado's testimony important?

His testimony is crucial because it legally establishes that a robbery occurred, which is a requirement for the felony murder charge against the defendants.

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