Snow Falling On Cedars Conflicting Perspectives Essay

Conflicting perspective always exist due to the inevitable subjectivity of composers, and the inevitable differing opinions of those around us. Conflicting perspectives are represented by the composer in a way that conveys their personal opinion with the aim to influence their responder’s perspective of the issues and themes presented, not in an unbiased and even-handed manner. This is evident within both Snow Falling on Cedars written by David Guterson and the 2008 film Invictus directed by Clint Eastwood within which the negative and ongoing impact of racial tension and prejudice is shown, and the differing perspectives and understanding of human values is explored by both composers.
In Snow, the composer’s subjective opinion of the impact of racial tension and prejudice is clearly illustrated through the use of the personality of Nels Gudmunsson. This character is a blind man who has lost the use of one of his eyes, shown when he colloquially states “one of my eyes is useless”. It is shown that Nels is the only character present in the courtroom that is able to see the truth past the prejudice that has been
exasperated within the island microcosm. The continued description of his eyes as a metaphor for his focus on the truth - with language such as “preternaturally observant” being used - is to demonstrate his perspective that has not been blinded by prejudice. Through the use of emotive and inspiring language, Guterson conveys to his audience the positive perspective he has of Nels and aims to influence their perspective through this. The opposing personality within the courtroom, Alvin Hookes is portrayed by the composer as a cold, unkind man who has been influenced by past prejudices and has opposing perspectives to Nels. He quotes “We’re talking about justice, finally... Look into his eyes, consider his face” in his closing statement. The word justice is in italics to show his emphasis on the word, however, this is ironic as he is asking them to deliver their decision based on racism rather than equality. Both of these characters represent conflicting perspectives which are presented and explored within the courtroom, a centrally located building on the island, the location for exploration of truth.
Clint Eastwood, director of Invictus explores the impact of the racial era of apartheid and its continual effect on the South African nation. The personality of Nelson Mandela is used to represent the composers view of the issue and themes presented. Mandela’s immediate challenge is “balancing black aspirations with white fears” as tensions from the apartheid time have different effects on the individuals. The opening scene, showing Mandela’s release establishes the context and sets the scene for the movie. Mandel’s car drives down the middle of the road with two different worlds on either side - one side, a group of young Africans cheering and shouting, the other a white football team with looks of disgust on their faces. The juxtaposition of the two worlds is emphasised when one remarks “It’s that terrorist Mandela, they let him out Remember this day boys, it’s the day our country went to the dogs.” The word ‘dogs’ has many negative connotations, influencing the audience perspective. The long shot showing the two sides established the conflicting perspectives on the personality of Nelson Mandela, however as the movie progresses, the perspectives are influenced and the country grows as they look past prejudices and racial tensions, focusing on the future.
Composers represent their views on human values such as justice, morality and the ability to accept and welcome change, and through this they are able to convey to their audience their view on the event, personality or situation. This is evident in Snow with Guterson’s use of Ishmael to represent the development of morality and emotional maturity within a character from initial conflicting perspectives. Ishmael’s internal conflict is resolved when he reaches the morally right decision to free and innocent man; this is represented through pathetic fallacy. “The wind and the snow had scoured everything clean” evokes images of a spotless, clean and perfect environment. Guterson explores the importance of this positive change using the snow to represent Ishmael’s cleansing and new beginning brought about by the positive forces of nature. Through the use of emotional language with positive connotations, the composers view on the situation is evident, along with his aim to persuade the audience to understand the importance of human values.
Invictus is the story of a changing nation; the composer uses conflicting perspectives in order to influence audience views on the past.
It is established that there are conflicting perspectives between past and present, with people of the present having a greater understanding of the implications of apartheid. However, some are still ignorant - shown when a woman tries to give a Springbok Jersey to a young African child. Another lady informs her “If he wears it, he will get beaten up. For them, Springbok still represents apartheid.” Within this scene, the director uses positioning to held audience understand tensions, and close ups to show the confusion on the woman’s face and the shock of the boy. This small scene is representative of how some white Africans are trying to reach out, but still do not understand the existing implications of
apartheid.
The composers views on the impacts of racism and their understanding of human values is evident throughout these texts. Composers use conflicting perspectives to represent their view and personal opinion of the themes and issues explores with the aim of influencing their audience’s reaction. There will always be evident opinions within texts due to the inevitable subjectivity of composers, allowing the audience gain a greater understanding of differing perspectives on issues and themes explored.