Analysis of Symbolism in "Snow Falling on Cedars"
Analysis of Symbolism in "Snow Falling on Cedars"
A rainy day represents gloominess in the minds of most people. Sunny days can make people feel refreshed and at ease. Cloudy days have a neutral feel. Snowy days on the other hand can have many different feelings attached. To some, peacefulness and surrealism may come to mind. To others, confusion and bitterness may play a role. In David Gutterson’s novel Snow Falling On Cedars, A Japanese man named Kabuo is on trial for murder. This all takes place with a fierce blizzard going on outside. The novel also takes place at the time of World War II, when the Japanese were sent to internment camps to face the consequences of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The Blizzard and World War II both play important roles in having to do with symbolism and mood in the novel Snow Falling On Cedars.
A man’s life is on trial for something he did not do. Naturally, anybody in this predicament would be quite frightened. This is all happening in a small courtroom on an island off the western coast of the United States called San Piedro. This is an island of very few residents, and a lot of forest. It is a very low-key place where not much should be happening. It is just a very quiet place filled with hard workers. But something is happening. This very trial is taking place during the World War II period, and at the time if the trial, a severe blizzard is roaring about. Ishmael Chambers, a reporter, a war veteran, and a man who had a past relationship with Kabuo’s wife a long time ago is going through what is much like the blizzard taking place outside at the time. All of these happenings are bringing back all of the harsh realities that have taken place in his life, and they are being whipped around the courtroom. A snowstorm carries a lot of wind and snow, and similar the snowdrifts blowing higher and higher outside, Ishmael must look at Hatsue and remember that he was once in love with her. All of his feelings are being whisked around and piled up and they are truly sending him off his feet into a reminiscent state.
If this kind of...