In December of 1948 David’s family moves away from Bentrock. Frank’s death has been explained away as an accident , and the coroner (the only other person who saw Frank’s injuries) has kept the Hayden’s secret. ... The family cannot talk about Frank’s crimes or about the actual nature of his death.
Why did Frank kill himself Montana 1948?
By killing himself–escaping , so to speak–he could also spare the family and its reputation. Or so he thought. I have characterized Frank’s suicide as both a selfish and a selfless act. Q: Why did you decide to write MONTANA 1948 from a child’s point of view.
What happens at the end of Montana 1948?
The novel ends with David sitting in his father’s seat at the table later that night—he believes he can still feel his father’s blow reverberating through the wood . Winner, Kathryn. “Montana 1948 Plot Summary.” LitCharts.
What is Wesley’s dilemma in Montana 1948?
Wesley, it is revealed, is torn between two loyalties. His father wants him to keep the Hayden name in office , but his wife (ostensibly for his sake) wishes he could move away from Grandpa Hayden, so that he no longer felt the pressure of his name.
Why did Wes put Frank in the basement?
Wesley tells David he will tell him everything once Gail gets home. ... When Gail gets homes Wesley tells her that Frank is in the basement because he wanted to be spared the embarrassment of being locked up in a jail cell .
What is the purpose of Montana 1948?
The novella focuses on the life of young Montanan David Hayden, his family and the fictional town of Bentrock, Montana, and focuses on the struggles of a family torn between loyalty and justice . It was awarded the Milkweed National Fiction Prize.
Is Montana 1948 a classic?
In a voice as brilliantly clear as the eastern Montana sky, Larry Watson has created a completely new American classic. With nearly perfect pitch, Watson evokes a time, a place, and more: a story whose pages will not stop turning, because its characters will not let them.
Who is the moral center of Montana 1948?
Larry Watson , in Montana 1948, presents a story of a family that tries to choose between saving their reputation and preserving morality.
Who is Len Montana 1948?
Len is a reformed alcoholic who begins drinking again shortly after he realizes Frank Hayden has murdered Marie Little Soldier. He remains loyal to Wesley and Gail after Frank’s arrest, and rescues Gail and David when Dale Paris and other employees of Grandpa Hayden attempt to break into the house.
How is Montana loyalty 1948?
Montana 1948 explores different kinds of familial loyalty , and what happens when these loyalties pull people in different, even opposite, directions. Wesley Hayden has a duty to his brother, but also to Marie Little Soldier, who cares for David and is described as being “like family” several times in the novel.
What did Frank do to Marie Little Soldier?
He is a highly charismatic and handsome doctor and war hero and is greatly liked by many in the community. However, he sexually abuses Native American women who come to him seeking medical care. Marie Little Soldier discloses this information to Gail, and Frank (presumably) kills her in retribution.
What does Montana 1948 say about justice?
The central theme in Montana 1948 is whether to choose justice or family loyalty . The central theme in Twelve Angry Men is the importance of a correct verdict that proves the justice system works. A common link between the two texts is prejudice that makes justice difficult to achieve.
How did David feel about Marie?
At 12, he believes he is in love with his caretaker, Marie Little Soldier, but when he is older he recognizes that this love was chaste and innocent, though still very real.
What is the most important theme in Montana 1948?
- Prejudice, discrimination and the abuse of power. Another key theme is prejudice, discrimination and the abuse of power. ...
- Law vs Justice. One of the central themes of ‘Montana 1948’ is the conflict between abiding by the law and doing what is just. ...
- Loyalty vs Morality.
What is the tone of Montana 1948?
The tone is both tragic and violent .
Who abused power in Montana 1948?
Specifically, in the fictional novel Montana 1948, the Hayden family has all the power in their small town, and Frank Hayden abuses his power and rapes young women. One brother, Wes, is the sheriff and the other brother, Frank, is the doctor.
