Montana 1948
Essay Topics
The Plight of Indigenous Americans
1. "He was not a hate-filled bigot… Nevertheless he believed that the Indians, with only
a few exceptions, were ignorant, lazy, superstitious and irresponsible."
In a district where even the "good guys" like Wes Hayden think this way, the abuse
and murder of Marie Little Soldier is easy to understand.
Do you agree?
2. Describe the treatment and living conditions of Indigenous Americans in 1948, as
reflected in the novel "Montana 1948."
The Position of Women
1. Although there are female characters do "Montana 1948" significant events belong to
the men?
2. "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?
History as a Truthful Record of the Past
1. "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?
The Frontier Myth
1. "In 'Montana 1948' the Indians become the good guys and the cowboys become the
villains." Discuss.
2. "That sure was the Wild West? How does Larry Watson's picture of Montana in 1948
compare with that view?
Families
1. "Uncle Frank was a Hayden and where the Haydens were concerned my mother
always held something back."
Why is Gail so reluctant to trust Wes's family? Are her concerns justified?
2. What view of family relationships is presented in"Montana 1948?"
Transition from Childhood to Adulthood
1. "I was on the trail of something that would lead me out of childhood." What did
David mean?
2. How is David Hayden's life irrevocably changed by the events of 1948?
Abuse of Power
1. "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?
2. "He 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?
3. The conflict between Marie Little Soldier and Frank Hayden was an unequal power
contest which Marie had no chance of winning. Explain why?
Justice and the Rule of Law
1. 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?
2. "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?
Appearance and Reality
1. "Montana 1948" exposes the shabby reality behind the glamorous myth of the western
tough guy hero. Explain how.
3. The child David has an idealized view of Montana and the adults who inhabit it. How
are his illusions stripped away?
Integrity
1. "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?
2. "I can't let him loose. Not and live with myself." Sheriff Hayden's dilemma is a tragic
one because there is no solution. Discuss.