In David Guterson's novel, "Snow Falling on Cedars" the author seeks to raise the reader's level of awareness regarding the ever-present theme of prejudice. Guterson uses a wide variety of creative writing styles and techniques in order to illustrate the appalling bias against those of differing races. The author has chosen not to write of the events in chronological order, using flashbacks to bring to life examples of how the seed of racism was previously, in some instances unconsciously, implanted in the hearts and minds of the characters brought to life by this novel.Together with the employment of realistic characters and an oftentimes emotionally charged plot, David Guterson use of multiple writing techniques combine to carry the reader along a journey, with the goal of highlighting not only the bigotry and prejudice endemic in the book's characters, but also raising the awareness of the reader to the real possibility that they too are hosts to such thoughts. The author uses several techniques to expound the theme of prejudice, including that of dialogue.He causes the reader to realise the irony of the racial prejudice on the small island of San Piedro through the character Mrs Heine, mother to the deceased man.
During a conversation with her husband she comments: "We're not such paupers as to sell to Japs are we? " thus showing a deep-rooted disregard for the Japanese-American race, because of the simple fact they are of a foreign descent. This statement is especially ironic in the light of the fact that the Heine family themselves are immigrants to America, their ancestors being of German descent.This informs the reader that the prejudice is unfounded, having its rooted in neither logic nor rationale, rather generated simply by human nature and a natural distrust and fear of those perceived 'different'. The author uses Mrs Heine's comments to also prove that racial tension was evident prior to the events of World War 2. During late 1942, the Japanese air-fore launched a surprise attack upon Pearl Harbor, a huge American naval base, causing an explosion of anger and hatred towards the Japanese to boil up within the American people.
The author thus highlights that discrimination against the Japanese was present previous to any justification, forcing the reader to conclude that the racial hatred towards the Japanese post-Pearl Harbor, was founded upon the unjustified prejudice present preceding those horrific events. Another significant incident within the novel is when Carl Heine realises the irony of his own prejudice. One section where such a technique was used was during an argument between the accused man and he who he was accused of murdering.The deceased man, Carl Heine, realises himself how unreasonable and indeed ironic the prejudice that his family bears towards the Japanese people. His realisation occurs as result of a heated discussion, with the man later accused of his murder, concerning seven acres of land, which the accused man claimed ownership of. During the argument, which took place aboard Heine's boat later the scene of his death, it became apparent to him that his objections towards the selling of the land which Kabou Miyamoto so desperately desired were merely based upon his and his mothers unfounded umbrage towards the Japanese race.
Miyamoto obliterates Heine's views on race with a vexed reply to the deceased man's ideals: "I'm an American... am I calling you a Nazi (for Heine is of German descent)? " With these words Heine is moved to realise how unjustified his objections, how ironic his prejudice. It seems the author had the intent for this scene to remind the reader that there is no true basis to prejudice. David Guterson uses plot effectively to enforce the theme of prejudice that is so evident in this novel.
However, the underlying theme of injustice is also obvious. The author uses many incidents within the novel to demonstrate this injustice.The most prominent, and mildly disturbing, of which is that of the female Prisoner of War train scene. This is a very well written section, with the descriptions of the experience, the sounds, the smells and the pains experienced by the 'prisoners'.
The author gives the reader insight into this scene's main character, the accused man's mother-in-law Fujiko Hisao, her thoughts and her mentality. This insight helps to emphasise the moral destruction and mental torture facing the women aboard the train. Guterson outlines the hellish conditions the women were confronted with by informing the reader of a single thought that crosses Fujiko's mind.A young child wails in agony from fever whilst the train trudges forward. The wailing haunts Fujiko, gripping as a black cancer of despair in her soul, causing her thoughts to turn dark. ".
.. she began to wish for the baby's death, if such a thing would mean silence. " This is not only shocking in itself, but Fujiko's usual mentality is totally contradicted by this thought; as she believes that composure is of utmost importance in all situations.
This is one technique that the author, David Guterson, uses to add realism to this superb novel: the fact that even the strongest of people have weaknesses, and can be broken.Guterson poses many questions in "Snow Falling on Cedars". One of which is whether humans have the strength to follow the path of conscience rather than desire. The author poses this question through the central character, Ishmael Chambers, a war veteran turned news reporter. The author gives this character two options: to provide critical evidence, which he had found previously, that would clear the accused Japanese man of the charge of murder or to withhold this evidence for his own means.
This sub-plot serves to create further suspense.Guterson does not inform the reader of Chambers' decision between temptation and good until the end of the novel, thus manufacturing a thrilling suspense. The author utilises many styles within this novel. One prominent style is the use of flashback. Guterson creates many sub-plots within these flashbacks, which he uses to develop and enhance the principal theme. One of these sub-plots is that of Ishmael Chambers' youthful love affair with a young Japanese girl, who later becomes the wife of the accused man.
The author uses both this story and the technique of flashback to enhance the issue of prejudice. Through this inline story David Guterson also informs us that racial discrimination was not only present in 'white men', but also in the Japanese race. The writer uses comments including "stay away from white men" as they would desire the young females and "seek to destroy her virginity". Therefore the racial prejudice is heightened, because both parties have fear and hatred of one another.
The author has created a story that not only entertains, but also holds a strong moral message. This message is very prominent in this story, being highlighted by style, technique and linguistic flare. In conclusion, this is a very engaging novel, with an engrossingly dramatic plot of love, sorrow and injustice. The author succeeds in provoking self-examination and raising awareness of the issue of prejudice. The author leads the reader to the realisation of the suspiciousness and the ignorantly presumptive attitude so prevalent in human nature.
