The American Dream In Larry Watson's Montana 1948

In 20th century America, after the Second World War, the nation emerged as a dominant figure in the dynamics of the world. The American people began to develop a certain identity that became known to all around the world. People craved to experience the American identity and have a chance at reaching the American dream. The American dream embodied the American ideals of freedom, social mobility, and ability to succeed and live a happy life. Ultimately through Montana 1948, by Larry Watson, the American identity is explored through the many facets of the emerging 20th century American idea: an American dream.
The focus and emphasis on reaching the American Dream is involved in the American Identity. When David Hayden introduces the setting of

When David Hayden describes Ollie Young Bear to the reader, he mentions, “All of these accomplishments made Ollie the perfect choice for white people to point to as an example of what Indians could be. My father liked to say of Ollie Young Bear, 'He's a testimony to what hard work will get you" (48). Ollie Young Bear exemplifies the perfection in the imperfect society that humans live in because he had education, religion and a job. This perfection helped display him as the ideal Indian according to the whites. Wesley Hayden believed that Ollie Young Bear’s hard work throughout his life to be as successful as a white was proper and adequate. Wesley’s belief embodies the American ideal and myth that hard work can easily bring success. However, he is shrouded from the obstacles people face through their hard work because he inherited his existence. While Wesley Hayden praised Ollie Young Bear for his accomplishments, Ollie Young Bear also displayed to other Indians that even though he grew up in a condemned community, he was able to reach the success of the white man. The American Identity involves hard work and facing of obstacles to achieve life goals and essentially the American Dream while supporting the idea that all have the ability to