Giancola’s Giant Adventure

Montana 1948 explores many issues that are just as relevant in 2008.

1. Take, for instance, the question of when exactly childhood ends and adulthood begins. Personally, I had thought that adulthood started when an individual became economically independent (not relying on mom/dad/others for support). However, David, the narrator, defines that crossing over in a very different way. After considering the situation unfolding in his own house, David remarks, “But I was on the trail of something that would lead me out of childhood” (Watson 65). Why does David think these events will have such an effect?

In your own opinion, when does childhood end and adulthood begin? Has this book affected your answer?

2. The character of Ollie Young Bear (featured in pages 58-61) presents the issue of one’s identity. Ollie Young Bear is in a difficult position: he divides his time between a white world and a Native American world. After listing Ollie Young Bear’s successes, David comments, “All of these accomplishments made Ollie the perfect choice for white people to point to as an example of what Indians could be” (Watson 58). On the contrary, Marie Little Soldier once said of Ollie, “He won’t be happy until he’s white” (Watson 60).

In your opinion, should Ollie Young Bear act more “Indian”? If so, how should he change his life? Keep in mind, the novel points out that he spends his own money on sporting equipment and organizes games on the reservation. Does it matter that Ollie Young Bear married a white woman? What do you think the people of Bentrock think of his wife, Doris Strickland?

3. At this point in the novel, we also see the controlling nature of Grandpa Hayden. David observes, “It was the first time I had seen Grandpa Hayden since I heard about Uncle Frank, and when I saw him towering there like a thundercloud I thought, he won’t let anything happen to his beloved son. He won’t” (Watson 69). Why is this bad news for Wes? Earlier in the novel, David commented that his father had declared absolute loyalty to his own father. Why do you think this is? Doesn’t it seem obvious that Grandpa Hayden isn’t exactly the nicest person? Is Wes afraid? If so, what, specifically, is Wes afraid of?

In your opinion, what do parents owe their children? What do children owe their parents?

Think about the issue presented and reflect on what you would do in the given situation. These topics will be seen in Night.

1. You’re torn between helping someone you care about and taking care of yourself. For example: Your grandmother is feeling lonely, but you find the nursing home where she lives SO depressing. Or, your father asks for your help cleaning out the gutters and you’re afraid of heights, but if you don’t get up there, you know that he will. You also know that he is more likely to fall than you.

2. You and others in your group are the target of a group of bullies who demand your lunch money every day. You can either fight back and risk getting hurt, or submit.

3. You are experiencing a lot of group pressure to drink, smoke, let schoolwork slide, snub certain classmates, etc. How do others pressure you? What are the consequences if you resist?

Welcome to my blog. I’d like to use this space for further exploration and discussion of literature, writing and the media — three of my favorite topics. I’ve been thinking about doing this for a long time, thus the title of this post. As a teacher, I find it easy to become entrenched in certain routines as a matter of survival. Many days I enter the school building with nearly every minute planned. While such rigidity aids my sanity, it also inhibits change and spontaneity. Therefore I’m looking forward to this new online adventure. If you’re one my students, I encourage you to visit frequently for extensions of our classroom discussions and issues raised in class. If you’re a member of the global online community, I look forward to your comments.

I hope no one is turned off by the title of this blog. I first chose the word “giant”because of its similarity to my last name. Upon further review though, I hope this becomes a space where thoughtful reflection aids in the shaping of my teaching philosophies and professional practices, and where visitors are challenged and enriched as well.

Thank you for visiting!