Name ____________________________
Mr. Neden
English 9 – Study Guide for Montana 1948
Directions:
1.
For the questions- answer in complete sentences. Be sure to list specific information and full explanation and analysis.
You will notice that many of these questions are simple comprehension questions, whereas others ask you to apply knowledge or extend what you have read. Please stay on top of this information; it will help you with all the in-class literature circle activities, etc. THIS PACKET WILL BE CHECKED FOR A
HOMEWORK GRADE!
2.
For the vocabulary-please find words which you are unfamiliar with, write the word, look up the definition, write a sentence using the word, and identify the part of speech. All on the lines provided.
Please stop reading at the flower symbol for many of these passages.
Pages 11-38
2.
1.
What is Marie’s job in the Hayden house? What does David think it was?
What is the reason that Wes, David’s father, gives for Marie’s refusal to see a doctor? What does this say about Wes?
3.
Give a specific scenario for each character of the book we’ve seen so far which reveals some information about their character. Use your own skills to find your own answer.
Grandpa:
Uncle Frank:
Wes:
4.
Give one piece of information which proves that many people in Bentrock are racist.

5.
We have little, if any detail, as to why Marie doesn’t want to see a doctor. Why do you think she acts this way?
Pages 38-54
1.
What does David do when his parents ask him to leave so that they can speak alone? What do his actions reveal about his character? Did you expect him to do this?
2.
List a quotation from Uncle Frank that proves he is racist and explain it in your own words.
3.
Reflect and Predict: Uncle Frank may or may not be guilty of some horrible crimes. What do you believe and why?
Pages 57- 82
As you read this section of the book, take notice of some repetition of objects and forces. You’re on a hunt for symbols. Write down potential symbols below along with the page numbers and sentences.
1.
Describe Grandpa Hayden’ s house using your own words and two details. Analyze: What does the house tell you about its owner?

2.
What was David supposed to shoot? What did he shoot?
3.
On pages 63-64, David, as an older narrator, thinks, “…I wanted to be included, to know more than my eavesdropping brought me. I suppose I wanted adult status, to have my parents discuss the case in front of me,…” Have you ever wanted to same? Are there advantages to not being treated as an adult? Explain.
4.
Throughout this section of the text, Grandpa Hayden reveals some key information about Uncle
Frank. Find the two examples of key information (pgs. 72 and 76), copy down the exact quotes from the text, and answer the question which follows.
Quote 1:
Quote 2:
It is pretty clear that Wesley does not know this information before Grandpa revealed it to him, did this information changes Wesley? How do you think it changed his relationship with his wife (David’s mom)?

Pages 82-102
1.
What statement by Wes (from the ride home from Grandpa’s ranch) proves that Uncle Frank is guilty?
2.
3.
Who did David aim his gun at?
What did Marie ask David when he returned from Grandma and Grandpa’s?
4.
What was Uncle Frank holding when David saw him?
5.
What do you think about the relationship between Len and David’s mom?
6.
David decides to give his parents some information about Uncle Frank. A) Describe what he told them. B) Would you have done the same? Explain.
7.
On page 101, David gives a detailed description of the role of Indians in his world. Do you think
David respects the Indian population of Bentrock? Or does he have the same imbedded racism of his grandfather and uncle?
Page 105-130
1.
Describe the special treatment that Wes gives to his brother after arresting him- two specifics.
2.
How did Grandpa react to Uncle Frank’s arrest? Why does he think Wesley did it?

3.
Why did David cry? Do you think he has grown up at all or is he still a “child”?
4.
3.
1.
Pages 130- 175
How has Wes changed from the beginning of the novel? Give two specific details.
2.
What do you think Wes means when he yells, “… ‘Don’t ever blame Montana!”’?
Do you think David’s parents made the right decision at the end of the novel (epilogue)?
Reflect: At the end of the novel (p. 162), David says, “I felt something for my uncle…It was close to love.” Do you think he has forgiven his uncle or his family for what happened?

Student generated vocabulary
Directions: Make a list of other words, page numbers and definitions that you find as you read. Also write in the sentence in which they appear and write a sentence of your own. You need to find at least six.
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