 The question of morality plays a large role in The Monster , especially in terms of compassion and tolerance . Several critics have pointed to the novella 's non @-@ absolute stance on these themes , mainly in regard to Dr. Trescott 's ethical dilemma in his devotion to Henry , a black man and his son 's savior . As author Patrick Dooley points out , " What is at stake in The Monster is that if Trescott is a moral man , Crane has rejected common @-@ sense morality . If Trescott 's actions are supererogative and saintly , however , he is to be applauded and admired , but the ordinary moral behavior of average people and the competence of everyday heroes will not have been expunged . " Crane scholar Stanley Wertheim also noted the duplicitous morality depicted by the town of Whilomville , which exhibits " prejudice , fear and isolation in an environment traditionally associated with neighborliness and goodwill . " 
