One moment, an individual may be a carefree child, only to suddenly realize that they have been transformed into a mature adult due to a powerful and traumatic experience that will be etched in their memory forever. In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Jem and Scout’s adolescence is gravely threatened one fateful night by a dangerous individual intent on ending their lives. This shocking incident irreversibly alters them, causing them to mature rapidly and assume the responsibilities of adults. Similarly, in Larry Watson’s Montana 1948, the young narrator David Hayden also endures an equally traumatic event that triggers his transformation into adulthood.
At the age of twelve, he learns that his uncle has been sexually assaulting Native American women in their town. This revelation weighs heavily on the young boy, as it exposes his beloved Uncle Frank as the antagonist. However, as the novel progresses, David undergoes a transformation and develops the maturity necessary to confront this situation. He must grapple with the understanding of the events that have transpired and comprehend the implications of Frank’s immoral actions on his family and their reputation.
However, the most crucial aspect is that he needs to comprehend that his integrity will be altered. The author, Larry Watson, asserts that distressing experiences cause a transition from childhood to adulthood in children. Hence, unsettling encounters result in a shift in mindset, moral development, and the emergence of a sense of maturity.
David’s perception of Uncle Frank is altered due to the traumatic experiences involving Frank’s hidden actions. Previously, Uncle Frank held a revered position in David’s eyes and was deeply admired by him. However, everything took a turn when David’s housekeeper and caregiver, Marie Little Soldier, falls seriously ill and requires medical attention. In this situation, Wes Hayden, David’s father, reaches out to his brother Frank, who happens to be the resident doctor in town. Curiously, Marie Little Soldier vehemently objects to being alone with Frank in the room.
Later, Marie reveals to David’s mother, Gail, the terrible actions Frank has been committing against Native American women. Upon hearing this conversation, David starts to see Uncle Frank in a different light. The once charming and friendly Uncle Frank is now perceived as a criminal. David’s image of his uncle is shattered by the horrifying statements he overhears.
Once David discovered Frank’s filthy behavior, all of Frank’s attractiveness and appeal vanished. David was aware that this knowledge would have a lasting impact on him. By listening to and comprehending his uncle’s actions, David is taking a further step into adulthood. Additionally, David acknowledges that his perception of Frank is shifting. As a result of the shocking events that occurred during the summer of 1948, young David Hayden undergoes moral growth.
As a result, David gains valuable insights into morality through the series of events that unfold. Shortly after Frank visits her, Marie is discovered deceased, with Frank attributing her death to pneumonia. Desiring to console Gail, David’s neighboring resident, Daisy McAuley, visits their home. Acting as a mother figure to David, Daisy encourages him to depart from the site where the crime occurred. Consequently, she invites him to her house for a slice of pie. During his visit, David coincidentally encounters Len McAuley, the deputy sheriff.
Len is intoxicated and admits that he believed he spotted Frank entering David’s house shortly before Marie’s lifeless body was discovered. David reveals this information and also confirms witnessing Frank. David then confesses this to his parents. Meanwhile, while I was present, I observed an individual traversing our backyard. There is a visible knothole through which one can see outside.
I had a strong feeling that the person I saw was Uncle Frank. I stepped out and witnessed him heading towards town on the tracks. The realization that his uncle is a terrible person greatly impacted David’s moral compass, prompting him to share with his parents what he knows, or at least some of it, about Uncle Frank.
This indicates that he is growing in terms of honesty. Previously, David would have concealed all of this instead of confronting his parents with information he knows they will not be pleased with. Through terrible encounters, David senses a growing feeling of maturity. David and his parents have a strained relationship with David’s grandparents due to Wes imprisoning Frank in his basement.
Julian, who is David’s grandfather, is upset that Wes would imprison his own brother, despite Wes saving Frank from being humiliated by going to jail. David faces a more daunting threat when he sees some of the hired hands from his grandfather’s ranch come to his house to try and free Frank. He remarks that these men, with the help of Grandpa, must have known that Frank was in the basement and planned to enter through the rear door. David shows his nearing adulthood by understanding how he needs to act and the seriousness of the situation involving him and his family. At this point, David has demonstrated growth and maturity.
Throughout his life, David has treasured memories of eagerly anticipating visits from his uncle and the journeys to his grandfather’s ranch. As he matured and became an adult, these memories stayed deeply ingrained in his heart. However, now his focus centers on the welfare of his family and the emotional wellness of his parents. In this aspect, David serves as a shining example by consistently standing by their side and offering unwavering support during challenging moments. He remains fiercely loyal to them, rejecting any notion of abandoning or feeling ashamed of them.
Despite the inevitable loss of innocence during childhood, he remains dedicated and sincere towards his loved ones, displaying maturity. The transition into adulthood can be difficult for many individuals, often occurring when they realize the flaws in the world. The tragic incident at Columbine exemplifies this notion strongly.
Many of those children realized that death is not limited to just older individuals, but can happen to anyone. This realization caused them to mature and transition into adulthood, which was a challenging process for many. It is important to be cautious because corruption can unexpectedly appear. The loss of innocence represents the transformation from childhood to adulthood.
Thus, the change is initiated by the events and occurrences that take place in life.
