Essay Questions

Why is Frank always lamenting about his past?

Frank is a character who is struggling with an identity crisis. While growing up, Frank did not get parental love, and the surrounding was harsh. In his adult life, Frank believes that he is a failure in life because of his poor upbringing. However, for Frank to move on and exploit his potential, he must stop lamenting about his past and focus on doing things that make him happy.

Who is responsible for Frank’s depressed life?

Frank grew up under the care of an abusive father who never loved him. The father was violent, a drunkard, and abusive. As a young boy, Frank did not experience the sanity of childhood because the world around him represented despair and melancholy. Therefore, Frank never trusted anybody because of fear of abuse. Until his adult age, Frank only trusts himself, and he sees people as oppressors.

Is the fear of the unknown one of the main themes in the novel Monkey Boy?

The novel's protagonist is not at peace with himself and the people he interacts with. Frank does not want to be associated with people because he thinks every person resembles his family members who mistreated him and made him suffer. Therefore, Frank is fearful of socialization to form new friendships because he does not know how it will end.