Essay On Feminism In Larry Watson's Montana 1948

In Montana 1948 by Larry Watson David and his family find out that his uncle has been raping and sexually assaulting women from a local Native American reservation. Gail, David’s mother Gail is used by author to give a feminist perspective of the situation. Although not all feminist or people who believe in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes are women the author chose Gail so that people could understand he is a feminist. Gail has to help her family make decisions about what to do with Frank along with her sherif husband Wesley. Thorough Montana 1948 by Larry Watson Gail Hayden is put in place by the writer to show his stance on women’s rights and feminism.
An important part of the book is Gail’s role in family decisions and how it shows Watson’s stance on how sexual assault should be handled. After Wesley has confronted Frank about the assaults at his parent’s house Gail talks about how he should be punished saying, “‘What about what’s already been done? What about that...damage?”(76). This quote is an example of how the author wants people to see the after effects of sexual assault. He understands that even after a
After Wesley had told his parents about holding his brother in his basement wesley’s father sends workers over and gail has to take care of it, “My mother had fired out of the kitchen window…”(130). This can help the reader infer that Larry Watson believes women should be able to protect themselves and their homes. When I read this I interpret that Mr.Watson is talking about some of the many instances that women are harassed such as walking down a street and they should be able to stand up for themselves without fearing for their life and safety. Watson wants to use Gail Hayden as an implement to show his positive outlook on feminism and how women should be able to defend