Montana 1948 High Scoring Student Sample Essay PDF

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Montana 1948 High Scoring Student Sample Essay...

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How does Larry Watson portray corruption and racism in the town of Bentrock? Larry Watson's novel 'Montana 1948' is a story of betrayal, power and family in a patriarchal society. The story, narrated by David Hayden, the young son of the Hayden family; is a reflection of his past. Key societal attributes of small town America back in 1948 included discrimination, corruption, and loyalty. Watson shows all of these attributes in the novel in different ways. Watson uses Hayden family figures and values to represent corruption, and the white community of Bentrock represent racism and loyalty. There are also many indirect references to these major themes, such as Wes' loyalty to his family through metaphors. The Hayden family of Bentrock are a significant part of the themes that Larry Watson portrays. The major one that they symbolise is corruption on many levels. As a consecutive line of town sheriffs, the Hayden family have held power and authority in Bentrock for a long time. Starting with David's grandfather, Julian Hayden, he raised his family and shaped the town with his moral values. This gave the Hayden family name quite a reputation to uphold. When the issue of David's uncle Frank's alleged crimes came around, it would have been quite easy for the current sheriff in David's father Wes to turn a “blind eye.” Even Len McAuley, the deputy sheriff; had pointed out to David “...He said it means knowing when to look and when to look away...Your dad hasn't quite got the hang of it. Not just yet.” It was a reference that even though Wes should have turned away from the allegations, he saw it as his job to investigate. David reflects on the fact whether his father did the right thing by his family by looking into the claims made against Frank, or the right thing by the law, as is his job description. America of the late 1940's was one of patriotism, pride, and accomplishment. It was also one of hidden racism, separation and unfairness. The minor communities across America in those days were not given the same rights as white Americans. Bentrock's Sioux Indian community was discriminated against, in both obvious and subtle ways. The biggest sign, and Larry Watson's biggest representation was the lack of care shown towards the allegations made by the Sioux Indian girls against Frank. The community was willing to push it all under the rug in order to protect the Hayden family reputation. Even if Wes saw it as the right thing to do to keep Frank in the basement, even Len said to him “Might as well let him go. Even on the lesser charge you're going to have a hell of a time getting a conviction. In this town.” The overwhelming fact of the matter was that too many people thought less of the crime. Further, Julian being one of the most powerful men in the Bentrock community, he could almost bend the law to his will. If that meant letting Frank get away with rape and murder, that could be arranged. The sheer amount of corruption in the community eventually overpowered those who did want justice. When the majority of the community and its leaders are corrupt and racist, proper justice can easily be neglected. Other than David, Wes played a significant part in the outcome of 'Montana 1948.' Ultimately, he had to make the hard decision of locking Frank in his basement rather than exposing him to the public by putting him in a jail cell. He symbolised many of the themes of the book, loyalty to family and corruption. Many of the themes were very subtle though. One of these references was his conversation to David about painting the house. The way he embedded his thoughts was so that David wouldn't realise that women have heavy influence over his decision making, primarily Gail. “Paint. Fresh paint. That's how you find life and civilisation. Women come and they want fresh paint.” If wasn't for Gail, Wes wouldn't have decided to investigate the allegations made against Frank. Larry

Watson used the themes in this way to make the reader think much deeper about Wes' intentions and why he makes the decisions he does. Racism and corruption were major issues of late 1940's America. These issues are portrayed in different ways in the novel 'Montana 1948.' The corruption of the time surrounds David and his family when they hear of Frank's crimes, and the community is drowned in racism. Even the themes were displayed indirectly through Wes and his decisions. Racism and corruption were forever present in Bentrock, as David reflects what happened in the summer of 1948....