Morality vs. Loyalty in Montana 1948 Essay Sample

In Montana 1948, Wes faces opposing loyalties between his role as a police officer and as a brother, demonstrating that doing what is morally correct is often not the easiest option.(compound-complex)

At the beginning of the novel, Wes is torn between shielding his family name and keeping his brother out of jail or arresting Frank for what he did to Marie. Marie Little Soldier, a Sioux woman, is a beloved caretaker of David who comes down with pneumonia. (complex) When Gloria proposes that she see a doctor Marie is persistent in not going. As Marie’s symptoms worsen, Gloria decides it is necessary to bring in a doctor so her husband, Wes, phones his brother Frank. Marie’s panic-stricken reaction to Frank's arrival greatly concerns Gloria who learns that Frank is notorious amongst the Native American population for taking advantage of his female patients. Gloria decides she must inform her husband, Wes the town’s only police officer who responds to her by saying, “Why? Are you telling me this because I’m Frank’s brother? (simple) Because I’m your husband? Because I’m Marie’s employer?...Or because I’m the sheriff?” (37). Wes’ repeated questing in reply to Gloria signifies that he is flustered by this news. His dread-filled response also indicates that he knows the gravity of the knowledge at hand.  There is a perpetual battle between familial devotion and the law in the guise of major figures in Wes’ life, one of these figures is Gloria, his stubborn wife whose lack of prejudice and bias sets her apart from the majority of her contemporaries. She represents the side of Wes that knows arresting Frank is the morally correct solution, but he is still conflicted between safeguarding the family's reputation and keeping his brother out of jail and prosecuting Frank for what he did to Marie. Wes is connected to the case in a multitude of ways as demonstrated in the quote, and after Frank kills Marie in an act of comeuppance Wes knows that despite the opinions from people in his life of what he should do he will be the one and only person to make the burdensome decision that decides Frank’s fate.

Wes knows that not arresting Frank and simply brushing his transgressions under the rug is by far the easiest solution. He would reconcile his strained relationship with his father while also ensuring that the Hayden name maintained its monopoly. However, Wes has an obligation to his brother, Frank, despite their ongoing rivalry, manufactured by Julian. They are still family as demonstrated by a fond memory Wes has about Frank defending him from a group of local bullies. Wes’ bigoted way of thinking made for a lack of respect for Marie although she felt deeply for David and is described as being like family several times in the novel.  The deficit of civility that the Hayden men show to Native American women is quite apparent when Julian states, “Screwing an Indian. Or feeling her up or whatever. You don’t lock up a man for that. You don’t lock up your brother. A respected man. A war hero”(120).  Julian believes Frank is so complete and entirely above the law that even the mere thought of whether or not Frank should be punished is ludicrous. Julian, like the majority of his generation, has little respect for Native Americans.  Julian represents the part of Wes that believes that Frank's actions should be excused because the victims were merely “red meat”, Native American women who he views as subhuman. This lack of respect combined with Frank’s statice produces the conclusion that Frank should not be held accountable for the crimes he has committed.  This quote also vocalizes the corruption and flouting of justice that characterize the Hayden family. It demonstrates Julian's awareness of the Hayden family's disproportionate dominance in Bentrock. The family realizes that they can get away with misdemeanors that the average person could not, due to the sheer weight of the Hayden name. Frank has been abusing the imbalance of power between Native American women and him in society. Wes faces an internal conflict between family and mortality once Frank abuses Marie. Julian, must understand that as the sheriff Wes has the authority over the arrest as opposed to Julian’s popularity. Consequently, Wes alone must answer the question of whether the illustrious Hayden name can excuse murder. 

Overall, Larry Waton’s novel demonstrates that there is not always a right option but it is vital to do what is just rather than what is convenient for oneself. Wes must understand the influence of the Hayden name can not excuse murder. The pristine example of corruption demonstrates to readers that behind perfection is a slew of issues.