Think: What do you believe is to be the main theme in this novel? Give examples of why and how the characters are affected by the theme.
Becoming of age
One of the strongest themes in Montana 1948 is the theme of becoming of age. Most characters are somehow involved
in this process. David Hayden would be the most representative character of this theme. At the beginning of the novel David is an innocent young boy living and being cared for by his parents. He always had a desire to grow up and
be a part of ‘man hood’. The scene at the bowling alley in particular shows David’s willingness to be a part of ‘man hood’ with his father as well as his readiness to grow up. The fact that David is at the alley, with his father and his older friends made him feel more like a man. “I loved to put my bottle of Nehi grape soda right next to my father’s beer bottle”. Wesley only allowed David to join him and his friend at the bowling alley on special occasions, attending these games was great privilege for him.
David learns some vital lessons during the summer of 1948, and the knowledge of the events which occurred during this period helps him mature quickly. David’s view of life dramatically changes throughout the summer, as he discovers the new aspects of adult life. The events which took place in his close family re-shape his view on moral values of many members of his family. During the summer David gains an emerging sense of adulthood.
Power
The privilege of having power should be appreciated and used for right causes and never be a reason or an excuse for any kind of abuse. Julian and Frank both abused the power they gained from their family name, reputation and profession. Julian is a very influential and controlling man in the novel. No one in town opposes his decisions and that is how the Hayden name established such a greatness and power in the whole town. Watson portrays Julian as the ideal tough Wild West cowboy. He is not only overbearing but also rude in the way he treats the Indians of the town. He does not show any respect towards Indian customs and beliefs. He sees women in general as weak and on the other hand sees himself as superior to them and especially to the Native Americans. Frank also sees himself superior and takes advantage of the Indian women in the town. He uses his high position as cover up for his crimes. Watson wrote this novel to give the readers a view of power and how easily it can misused. It shows the reality of life and how the powerful can rule over the weak and powerless.
Family
Montana 1948 is structured around the Hayden family. The Hayden name is very powerful in this novel and although the name may hold some respect and still be important to the community, the family itself is beginning to disintegrate. Grandfather Julian believes he is able to control any situation by covering up all the wrong doings of his family members or any other white person. His way of dealing with their crimes is to shift the blame onto the Indians. Frank being an older son, is close to his father and clearly influenced by his views. Wesley, Gail and David on the other hand bond strong together as they start to see the injustices and unfairness of Julian and Frank’s actions and lack of morality in their decisions.
Racism
The theme of racism is strongly present in the novel. Montana was a state where Native Americans were forced to live in areas given to them by the government as white people turned their land into farms and ranches. There was a lot of
tension between Indians and new owners of their land. White people had no understanding of Indians customs, their attachment to land or their beliefs. As David describes his father views on Indians; my father held them in low
regard...he believed Indians, with only few exceptions, were ignorant, lazy, superstitious and irresponsible. This racist attitude becomes clear when Marie gets sick and needs medical help and Frank and Julian sarcastically suggest doing a dance around her bed and beating some drums in reference to Indian healing practices. Another example of this attitude is when Julian discussing Frank’s criminal behaviour refers to the abused women as red meat, and cannot comprehend that Frank’s activities were criminal Screwing an Indian... You don’t lock up a man for that!
Becoming of age
One of the strongest themes in Montana 1948 is the theme of becoming of age. Most characters are somehow involved
in this process. David Hayden would be the most representative character of this theme. At the beginning of the novel David is an innocent young boy living and being cared for by his parents. He always had a desire to grow up and
be a part of ‘man hood’. The scene at the bowling alley in particular shows David’s willingness to be a part of ‘man hood’ with his father as well as his readiness to grow up. The fact that David is at the alley, with his father and his older friends made him feel more like a man. “I loved to put my bottle of Nehi grape soda right next to my father’s beer bottle”. Wesley only allowed David to join him and his friend at the bowling alley on special occasions, attending these games was great privilege for him.
David learns some vital lessons during the summer of 1948, and the knowledge of the events which occurred during this period helps him mature quickly. David’s view of life dramatically changes throughout the summer, as he discovers the new aspects of adult life. The events which took place in his close family re-shape his view on moral values of many members of his family. During the summer David gains an emerging sense of adulthood.
Power
The privilege of having power should be appreciated and used for right causes and never be a reason or an excuse for any kind of abuse. Julian and Frank both abused the power they gained from their family name, reputation and profession. Julian is a very influential and controlling man in the novel. No one in town opposes his decisions and that is how the Hayden name established such a greatness and power in the whole town. Watson portrays Julian as the ideal tough Wild West cowboy. He is not only overbearing but also rude in the way he treats the Indians of the town. He does not show any respect towards Indian customs and beliefs. He sees women in general as weak and on the other hand sees himself as superior to them and especially to the Native Americans. Frank also sees himself superior and takes advantage of the Indian women in the town. He uses his high position as cover up for his crimes. Watson wrote this novel to give the readers a view of power and how easily it can misused. It shows the reality of life and how the powerful can rule over the weak and powerless.
Family
Montana 1948 is structured around the Hayden family. The Hayden name is very powerful in this novel and although the name may hold some respect and still be important to the community, the family itself is beginning to disintegrate. Grandfather Julian believes he is able to control any situation by covering up all the wrong doings of his family members or any other white person. His way of dealing with their crimes is to shift the blame onto the Indians. Frank being an older son, is close to his father and clearly influenced by his views. Wesley, Gail and David on the other hand bond strong together as they start to see the injustices and unfairness of Julian and Frank’s actions and lack of morality in their decisions.
Racism
The theme of racism is strongly present in the novel. Montana was a state where Native Americans were forced to live in areas given to them by the government as white people turned their land into farms and ranches. There was a lot of
tension between Indians and new owners of their land. White people had no understanding of Indians customs, their attachment to land or their beliefs. As David describes his father views on Indians; my father held them in low
regard...he believed Indians, with only few exceptions, were ignorant, lazy, superstitious and irresponsible. This racist attitude becomes clear when Marie gets sick and needs medical help and Frank and Julian sarcastically suggest doing a dance around her bed and beating some drums in reference to Indian healing practices. Another example of this attitude is when Julian discussing Frank’s criminal behaviour refers to the abused women as red meat, and cannot comprehend that Frank’s activities were criminal Screwing an Indian... You don’t lock up a man for that!