"Montana 1948"

Paper Summary:

This paper offers a review of the though provoking novel "Montana 1948" by Larry Watson. The writer shows how racism, as seen in the novel, can result in tragedy. The book is the retrospective tale of a childhood event told by the protagonist David Hayden forty years later. The story evolves around the alleged professionally unacceptable behavior of a physician towards his Indian patients.

From the Paper:

"Among David's primary recollections concerning the events of 1948 is the realization that Marie Little Soldier's bedroom was "a small room off the kitchen," despite the fact that there was a "third bedroom" vacant on the second floor the floor where the white people slept. "Who decided that room should not be Marie's?" Despite the Hayden's tolerant and benevolent appearance, and their adequate treatment of Marie, they obviously are subtly influenced by the prejudice based on the belief in the superiority of a particular race. Wesley "was not a hate filled bigot he probably thought he was free of prejudice." Wes was able to "treat Indians with generosity, kindness, and respect" nevertheless he believed Indians' were ignorant, lazy, superstitious and irresponsible."

More papers on "Montana 1948":

• Analytical Essay # 53861 : "Larry Watson's "Montana 1948"
• Term Paper # 116625 : "The Copper Wars of Montana"
• Comparison Essay # 85823 : "The IRA and the Freemen of Montana"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: