Bedford 1
Shana Bedford
Mrs. Hardcastle
Adv. English 1B
16 November 2017
The Abuse of Power
According to FBI statistics, in 2009, about 68 people died in the hands of law enforcement. Every year after 2009, the death rate has increased 4.2% each year. Unfortunately, 2016 had the highest death rate of Americans by police. 44% of the people were Native American, 53% of the people were African American, and 16% were other races. Is this because Americans are out of control, or is this an abuse of power by law enforcement?
In the novel “Montana 1948” written by Larry Watson, the use of power the Hayden's have on the town include, Wesley Hayden, being the sheriff of the community gained him power over all sins of the people. Julian Hayden, was …show more content…
Each of these themes are very important aspects of the book. One of the strongest themes in “Montana 1948” is the theme of becoming of age. David Hayden would be the greatest example of this theme. At the beginning of the novel, David is an innocent boy living and cared for under the guidance of his parents. As a young boy he always had the desire to grow up and become a man. The scene at the bowling alley shows that David was ready to grow up and be a part of “man hood.” The fact that David is at the alley, with his father and his older friends made him feel more privileged because he got to spend time with older men and his father. As David quotes “I loved to put my bottle of Nehi grape soda right next to my father’s beer bottle”. (Watson 221 & 222) Wesley only allowed David to join him and his friend at the bowling alley on special occasions, attending these games was great honor for …show more content…
In the novel, the Hayden name is very powerful. Watson states, "...but our name was no joke. We were as close as Mercer county came to aristocracy. I never consciously traded on the Hayden name, yet I knew it gave me a measure of respect that I didn't have to earn." Although the name may hold some respect and be tremendously important to the community, the family itself is beginning to fall apart. Julian believes he can control any situation by covering up all the wrong doings of his family members or any other white person. Frank being an older son, is close to his father and influenced by his views. Gail, David and Wesley on the other hand, come together as they start to see the unfairness of Frank and Julian’s
Shana Bedford
Mrs. Hardcastle
Adv. English 1B
16 November 2017
The Abuse of Power
According to FBI statistics, in 2009, about 68 people died in the hands of law enforcement. Every year after 2009, the death rate has increased 4.2% each year. Unfortunately, 2016 had the highest death rate of Americans by police. 44% of the people were Native American, 53% of the people were African American, and 16% were other races. Is this because Americans are out of control, or is this an abuse of power by law enforcement?
In the novel “Montana 1948” written by Larry Watson, the use of power the Hayden's have on the town include, Wesley Hayden, being the sheriff of the community gained him power over all sins of the people. Julian Hayden, was …show more content…
Each of these themes are very important aspects of the book. One of the strongest themes in “Montana 1948” is the theme of becoming of age. David Hayden would be the greatest example of this theme. At the beginning of the novel, David is an innocent boy living and cared for under the guidance of his parents. As a young boy he always had the desire to grow up and become a man. The scene at the bowling alley shows that David was ready to grow up and be a part of “man hood.” The fact that David is at the alley, with his father and his older friends made him feel more privileged because he got to spend time with older men and his father. As David quotes “I loved to put my bottle of Nehi grape soda right next to my father’s beer bottle”. (Watson 221 & 222) Wesley only allowed David to join him and his friend at the bowling alley on special occasions, attending these games was great honor for …show more content…
In the novel, the Hayden name is very powerful. Watson states, "...but our name was no joke. We were as close as Mercer county came to aristocracy. I never consciously traded on the Hayden name, yet I knew it gave me a measure of respect that I didn't have to earn." Although the name may hold some respect and be tremendously important to the community, the family itself is beginning to fall apart. Julian believes he can control any situation by covering up all the wrong doings of his family members or any other white person. Frank being an older son, is close to his father and influenced by his views. Gail, David and Wesley on the other hand, come together as they start to see the unfairness of Frank and Julian’s