 Edwin H. Cady believed The Monster is the best indication of the writer Crane may have become had he lived longer , showcasing a style that is " technically proficient , controlled , and broadly insightful . " The Monster relies heavily on Crane 's signature use of imagery and symbolism . Frequent images and metaphors dealing with sight appear several times in the story , especially in regard to the townspeople 's lack of vision , both literally and morally . The townspeople are similarly depicted using imagery of either animals or machines , characterizing them as both bestial and mindless . Color imagery is also prevalent . For example , fire — both literal and symbolic — features prominently throughout the story . While critics as early as Edward Garnett in 1921 pointed to Crane 's heavy use of irony in The Monster , other critics such as Michael D. Warner question whether Crane intended the story to be read as ironic , or if this is the result of the author 's " oddly contradictory attitude toward his characters . " 
