Montana 1948 is a novel written by author Larry Watson in 1993 It tells the story of a small family and town in 1948, situated in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. It is a coming-of-age story as seen through the eyes of David, a young boy of twelve, who deals with the conflicting loyalties and influences that exist within his family and his small community. During this time, a series of events surrounding racism and abuse of power unfold and challenge David’s moral compass. As an adult, David narrates the novel, recounting his experiences and insights as a young boy.
The novel has been widely praised for its powerful message and memorable characters. Explore these themes and more with these five essay topic ideas based on Montana 1948.
1. Examine the loss of innocence of the protagonist, David, and how his character evolves over the course of the novel.
2. Analyze the racial themes in the novel and its implications on the plot and characters.
3. Discuss the power dynamics between the adults in the novel, especially between the characters of David’s father and uncle.
4. Delve into the notion of justice and how it is explored throughout the novel.
5. Consider the legacy of the novel and its impact on modern readers, especially in regards to conversations on race and power.