It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities. In Larry Watson's Montana 1948 choices by brothers Frank and Wesley define what happens throughout the book. Set in Bentrock, Montana, one will read about the difficulty of choosing between doing what you want and doing what is right. In reading Montana 1948, one will discover that the choices one makes not only affects you but the people around you.
Wesley's actions have affected his family more than anybody else in the story. Gail stated, "Let him do whatever he wants to do to whoever he wants. I do not care anymore. I just want my house back. I want my family safe." (Watson, 143) Home is where one goes to relax and spend time with their family. Home is also where one should feel safe and sound. How is Gail supposed to be any of those things with Frank in the house? It is impossible for her to do her job if he is there. She cannot guarantee David's safety nor can she go to work due to having a criminal there. This book is based on family and trust.
Franks choice to rape and molest Indian women, was
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Gail stated "The reason Wesley, the reason Marie didn’t want to be examined by Frank is that he-- has … is that your brother has molested Indian girls." (Watson, 45). There will be times in life where it is a good idea to keep quiet about certain things. In this case, it would have been easy for Gail to just keep quiet and never tell Wesley this. Although, Gail is nothing like Wesley and Frank she does not cause harm to the Indian people and she is a woman. Obviously Wesley would not understand but Gail is a woman and although she probably has never gone through that she would want somebody to do the same as she did Marie, for her. Yes, Gail keeping her mouth shut would have prevented every single problem presented to the Hayden family, but that would not have been the right thing to