Montana 1948 Final Extended Discussion Question PDF

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In the fictional novel Montana 1948 by Larry Watson, the concept of justice, as well as sacrifices that sometimes may take place in relation to justice, is conveyed through the plot summary of the narration. The novel itself is written from the perspective of David Hayden, the son of the sheriff of Montana in 1948. However, 52-year-old David narrates the story that occurred when he was only 12, a child; revisiting the summer of 1948 and how his overall perspective on justice was reconstructed from an early age. Justice is known to be the concept of holding law together and the behaviour in fair treatment/ punishment that is balanced equally for everyone. In the novel, David’s uncle, Frank Hayden, who happened to be a bright and trusted doctor in the town of Bentrock was truly accused by Marie(David’s babysitter) of sexually assaulting his patients who were Indian girls. As the head of the household, Wesley Hayden, the sheriff of Bentrock hears about this, he was startled and failed to serve justice at first as he attempted to excuse the actions of his brother as a misunderstanding or confusion. Not long after, Marie was found dead the same day David witnessed his uncle sneaking into the house when no one was home. The death of Marie was blamed on pneumonia until David informed his father of what he had seen. Wesley was then conflicted not knowing whether to act as a father, brother, or sheriff in this situation but soon was talked into by his wife to deliver justice. Despite the sacrifice he must make to deliver justice to this case being the charge of his only brother with the crimes of sexual assault and the murder he was suspicious of, Wesley chose to stay loyal to his job and do so. In the process of doing so, David’s grandfather argues that locking Frank in jail is not the right approach, that it would cost them the sacrifice of their bright family name. Nonetheless, Wesley settles to make such a sacrifice for justice to be served, and he says “This isn’t about family. This is a legal matter”(108). He chooses to stay loyal to his profession, morals, and job rather than defending his guilty brother who he loves so much. All in all, these events that took place in the novel, Montana 1948; overall prove that occasionally, with justice comes sacrifice....