Montana 1948 Themes

In today’s world, one in six women have been the victim of an attempted or completed sexual assault. A fraction of these rapes are reported, and even fewer result in a trial. Most rapists never see the inside of a jail cell. In the novel Montana 1948 by Larry Watson, young David Hayden learns that there is more to life in his small town of Bentrock than what at first meets the eye. At twelve years old, David is forced into adulthood by the dark secrets that are uncovered as his father, the town sheriff, must investigate his own brother for the innumerable sexual assaults of which he has been accused. As the drama unfolds, the crimes only seem to escalate, from sexual assault, to the murder of a young woman. This novel brings to light many issues …show more content…
Frank has been able to get away with the rape and molestation for years due to the protection he receives from his family name. Even once he was arrested, Frank’s name kept him from going to prison, instead being kept in Wesley’s basement. Wes explains, “‘He didn't want to be locked up in the jail. I said I'd respect that, and he's going to cooperate. Cooperate - hell, he's acting as if this is all some kind of joke,’”(Watson 103). Despite having committed several serious crimes, now that the accusations have progressed from sexual assault to murder, Frank as a member of the Hayden family was able to completely avoid the local jail in favor of a comparable nicer basement. Also, Frank realizes that even if he is taken to trial, the charges will never stick due to his position in town. Further, when Frank does finally commit suicide, justice is never given to the victims as the whole incident was covered up in an effort to preserve their …show more content…
Claims made by a young Native girl were ignored due to the racist beliefs of those who should stick to the law and provide justice. Furthermore, Frank Hayden continued to get away with molestation and rape due to his job as a doctor in Bentrock. Finally, due to the power of his family name, Frank Hayden continued to keep justice from the victims and their families even after his death. In the novel, Montana 1948 by Larry Watson, twelve-year old David Hayden discovers a deeply disturbing secret within his family. As his father, Wesley, investigates his own brother, David and his parents must adapt to a completely new dynamic within their family. As a result of mistakes and cover ups all around, Frank Hayden is one more rapist who will never fully pay for his