Compare the ways in which Lawrence and Watson utilise the features of their text types to explore the impact of secrets and lies. Anonymous 10th Grade

The award-winning fictional novel Montana 1948 written by Larry Watson and the Australian drama film Jindabyne directed by Ray Lawrence similarly explore the ramifications of secret and lies. Lawrence and Watson in their respective text both explore how the repercussions of secret and lies impact the individual, their relationship with loved ones and their relationship with the community.

Within Lawrence's work, Stewart Kane (the film’s central character) is involved in the primary lie involving the discovery of a dead aboriginal girl, in an attempt to conceal the careless truth from the community and loved ones eventually followed on by consequences involved within the individual. Similarly, in Watson’s text, Sherif Wesley Hayden, the brother of antagonist and sexual abuser Frank Hayden, deceitfully hides the truth of Frank’s hidden obnoxious idiosyncrasy from the community. Torn between the protection of the family name with deceitfulness and the righteous act of sincerity through his relationship with the law, Wes struggles to decide which way to turn, ultimately impacting his relationship with himself. In Jindabyne, Stewart throughout the film struggles to accept the truth and his poor decision by continuing on with the...