Final answer:
Steve's role in the robbery in 'Monster' was as a lookout, and peer pressure led to his bad choices and arrest. The consequences of his actions include both the risk of imprisonment and a deep personal crisis, demonstrating the effect of peer influence on teenagers.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel Monster by Walter Dean Myers, peer pressure greatly influences the protagonist Steve's decisions, leading to his involvement in a robbery and subsequent arrest. Steve's role was that of a lookout; he was supposed to signal if there was any danger during the robbery. However, his participation, although seemingly minor, has grave consequences. The experience of being on trial fighting for his life has thrust him into a situation where he must confront his identity and the consequences of his actions, contributing to the novel's complex exploration of morality and the justice system.
The impact of Steve's involvement in the robbery on his life is profound. Not only is he faced with the possibility of a long-term prison sentence, but he is also grappling with a personal crisis of conscience. Through his trial and reflection, Steve examines the choices he made under peer pressure and the regret he feels. This internal conflict and its effects are pivotal to the novel, illustrating how a single moment can alter one's life path. It serves as a vivid example to readers about the weight of decisions and the powerful role of peer influence on teenagers.