Ms. Marootian
RISE English
Montana 1948 Essay Assignment
(50 points)
Directions:
Now that we have finished reading Larry Watson’s text, Montana 1948, you will have
the opportunity to reflect upon the text analytically. After choosing a topic, you will
create a 4-paragraph literary analysis essay.
Essay Requirements:
Introduction: (hook, connection, summary of novel, avenues, thesis)
Body Paragraph 1: (topic sentence, embedded quotes, deep analysis)
Body Paragraph 2: (topic sentence, embedded quotes, deep analysis)
Conclusion: (restatement of main points, relevant connections)
Due Dates: NOTE: All dates are also homework assignments; you WILL lose
points for failing to complete them.
Essay Due: Wednesday 4/10 (12 AM-Turnitin)
Topics:
1. The Position of Women
Although there are female characters in Montana 1948, significant events belong to
the men. The legends of the Wild West portray the cowboy hero as protective of
women. Yet women especially Indian women suffered the greatest oppression on
the American frontier. Does Montana 1948 show this to be true?
2. History as a Truthful Record of the Past
Ms. Marootian
RISE English
David says, "For my students I keep a straight face and pretend that the text tells the
truth, whole and unembellished." Why does the adult David believe that history
books do not tell the whole truth?
3. Family Structure
Why is Gail so reluctant to trust Wes's family? Are her concerns justified? What view
of family relationships is presented in Montana 1948?
4. Transition from Childhood to Adulthood
When David says, "I was on the trail of something that would lead me out of
childhood," What does he mean? How is David Hayden's life irrevocably changed by
the events that take place in 1948?
5. Abuse of Power
Montana 1948 suggests that the powerless in society are at the mercy of the more
powerful. The law allows them little protection. Do you agree? The text states that
Julian "was a dominating man who drew sustenance and strength from controlling
others. To him, being the law's agent probably seemed part of a natural progression
- first you master the land and its beasts, then you regulate the behavior of men and
women." Is Julian's love of power to blame for the novel's tragic events? The conflict
between Marie Little Soldier and Frank Hayden was an unequal power contest,
which Marie had no chance of winning. Explain why?
6. Justice and the Rule of Law
Len McAuley tells David that being a sheriff in Montana "means knowing when to
look and when to look away." Is this what is wrong with the rule of the law in
Mercer County? "I could never believe in the rule of the law again." Says David
reflecting on the events of 1948. Why does he come to this conclusion?
7. Appearances and Reality
Montana 1948 exposes the shabby reality behind the glamorous myth of the western
tough guy hero. Explain how. As a child, David has an idealized view of Montana and
the adults who inhabit it. How and why are his illusions stripped away?
8. Integrity
Ms. Marootian
RISE English
"In standing up for justice, Wes Hayden, more than any other character in the novel
pays the highest price. To what extent do you agree? Wes says, "I can't let him loose.
Not and live with myself," showing that Sheriff Hayden's dilemma is a tragic
one because there is no solution. Discuss.
9. Brothers Comparisons
While they are both Haydens, Wes and Frank are essentially different. Define their
differences. How do their descriptions differ in the text? Why is David more
disappointed in his father than in Frank? Both Frank and Wesley hold the Indians in low
regard. What is the difference in their attitudes?