Characters
Who is the narrator of Montana 1948?
David Hayden
What town does the story take place in?
Bentrock, Montana
What theme is explored through Frank’s crime?
Abuse of power
What illness does Marie Little Soldier suffer from?
Pneumonia
What does the badge symbolize for Wesley?
Duty and responsibility
Who is David’s father?
Wesley Hayden
In what decade is the story set?
1940s
What theme is shown by David’s loss of innocence?
Coming of age
What does Marie reveal about Frank?
He sexually abuses Native American women
What does the basement represent in the story?
Hidden truths and guilt
Who is accused of abusing Native American women?
Frank Hayden
What role does Wesley have in the town?
Sheriff
What theme is connected to Wesley choosing justice over family loyalty?
Moral conflict
Where does Wesley eventually lock up Frank?
In the basement
What does the wind often symbolize?
Change or tension
Who is the family’s housekeeper and key witness?
Marie Little Soldier
What kind of community is Bentrock?
Small, rural, and racially biased
What theme is reflected in the town’s treatment of Native Americans?
Racism
What tragic event happens to Frank?
He commit suicide
What does the house represent for David?
A place of both safety and secrets
Who is David’s mother?
Gail Hayden
What war recently ended before the story begins?
World War II
What theme is shown in the struggle between personal loyalty and duty?
Justice vs. family loyalty
How does David’s view of his father change by the end?
He sees him as a quiet hero who stood for justice
What does the town’s silence suggest about the culture?
Complicity and fear of confronting truth