Snow Falling On Cedars Symbolism Essay
Guterson’s Use of Symbolism Lots of symbolism is used within the novel Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson. All the symbols are throughout this novel to help convey the storyline. Guterson constantly brings up the symbols to keep the story flowing as well as to develop several opinions and ideas about the different characters. The snowstorm, the cedar tree, the war are just three of the numerous symbols used in this novel. The snowstorm represents destruction, unpredictable events, along with innocence. Snow is a beautiful act of nature, yet it can go deadly in a matter of minutes. “The trees had closed the road in so that the sky was little more than an indistinct, drab ribbon overhead, but down here the dramatic expanse of it was visible, chaotic and fierce” (320). The islanders find the
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snow a beauty at first, however once the snow did not stop, they began to panic. Nothing about this island at this point was easy and settled. The citizens of San Piedro Island realized they have no control over the weather and even the outcome of the storm. The snow connects to the trial in the same way.
The islanders know deep down that no matter what Kabuo Miyamoto says or does will make the jury any less suspicious. Secondly, the cedar tree is a major symbol in this novel. The cedar tree signifies affection, untruthfulness, in addition to nature. Inside the cedar tree, Hatsue and Ishmael developed a secret love relationship, starting at a very young age. “We don’t go out-that isn’t the right word-we can’t go out, Ishmael. We’re trapped inside this tree” (207). Hatsue and Ishmael cannot go out into the world as lovers. The cedar tree was their escape route to continue their love for one another. Hatsue and Ishmael began to portray their families. Their love for one another is not accepted due to the color of their skin. After all Hatsue did have a face of a Japanese. She has no business being with a white man. Lastly, the war is foremost the most important symbol in this novel. War symbolizes Prejudice, obliteration, plus separation. War was a hard time for every race. However, the most affected citizens were the Japanese. Many people that went to war came back with missing limbs, if they even came home at all. Even after the war, the
Japanese were still looked down on. “He has returned to find himself the victim of prejudice-make no mistake about it, this trial is about prejudice- in the country he fought to defend” (417).When all of these symbols come together as a whole, it leads to a great story.
snow a beauty at first, however once the snow did not stop, they began to panic. Nothing about this island at this point was easy and settled. The citizens of San Piedro Island realized they have no control over the weather and even the outcome of the storm. The snow connects to the trial in the same way.
The islanders know deep down that no matter what Kabuo Miyamoto says or does will make the jury any less suspicious. Secondly, the cedar tree is a major symbol in this novel. The cedar tree signifies affection, untruthfulness, in addition to nature. Inside the cedar tree, Hatsue and Ishmael developed a secret love relationship, starting at a very young age. “We don’t go out-that isn’t the right word-we can’t go out, Ishmael. We’re trapped inside this tree” (207). Hatsue and Ishmael cannot go out into the world as lovers. The cedar tree was their escape route to continue their love for one another. Hatsue and Ishmael began to portray their families. Their love for one another is not accepted due to the color of their skin. After all Hatsue did have a face of a Japanese. She has no business being with a white man. Lastly, the war is foremost the most important symbol in this novel. War symbolizes Prejudice, obliteration, plus separation. War was a hard time for every race. However, the most affected citizens were the Japanese. Many people that went to war came back with missing limbs, if they even came home at all. Even after the war, the
Japanese were still looked down on. “He has returned to find himself the victim of prejudice-make no mistake about it, this trial is about prejudice- in the country he fought to defend” (417).When all of these symbols come together as a whole, it leads to a great story.