Moral Dilemmas In Montana 1948

A moral dilemma entails a choice between two highly conflicting values, where the decision made may result in guilt and remorse. As responders we are able to assess our own values in regards to the character’s actions. These characteristics are present in the texts Montana 1948 by Larry Watson 1993, The Returning by Daniel De Paola 1964 and Clint Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby 2004. I personally have been influenced to assess my own values towards family ties, justice and the balance between right and wrong.

When faced with a moral dilemma, avoidance and denial often result in greater consequences. In Montana 1948 the sheriff Wes has conflicting values of family loyalty and justice leading to an immense moral dilemma whether to convict his own brother even though this may have an adverse effect on familial ties. Wes instead resorts to denial of the situation.

This denial is highlighted shortly after Franks exploitation of Indian women was brought to light by Gail. Wes attempts to refuse Marie’s accusations. “For gods sake, you know how she (Marie) likes to make up stories.” Despite knowing his brothers capability to commit such actions his aggressive tone shows his resistance to Gail’s argument, instinctively protecting his value of family over the law and also his
Although not spoken between one another, each character has been influenced by society to hold certain views. Negative connotations from Dark cat expressed in “At another time and place, he wouldn’t have wanted to linger in a room alone with a white woman.” Contrasting with “But here and now there was only friendliness between them.” Conveys Dark cats prejudice towards whites. Meanwhile, high modality present in “never felt” shows that Dark cat may be turning a new leaf with the whites. This example demonstrates that moral dilemmas can make one rethink their