Racial Tensions in Snow Falling on Cedars

Introduction

Snow Falling on Cedars delves into the pervasive theme of racism, a prevailing force that shapes events, characters' attitudes, and emotions within the narrative. The novel unfolds against the backdrop of San Piedro Island, where racial tension, fueled by war hysteria, casts a formidable shadow over the lives of its inhabitants. This prejudice extends its influence not only over the local community but echoes the broader sentiments prevailing across America during this tumultuous period.

Events Shaped by Bigotry

The storyline of the novel is intricately intertwined with the manifestations of bigotry, exemplified by events such as the search for a "right-handed Jap.

" Horace Whaley's racially charged comment to Sheriff Moran triggers a search warrant, specifically targeting individuals of visibly Japanese descent. Even within the supposed bastion of justice – the courtroom – racial prejudices persist. Nels Gudmundsson attempts to surmount these barriers by urging the jury to disregard physical attributes and national origin in the case of Kabuo Miyamoto, emphasizing his status as an American equal in the eyes of the legal system.

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These events underscore the deeply ingrained racial biases that permeate the society depicted in the novel. The search for justice becomes entangled with discriminatory practices, reflecting the challenging realities faced by individuals of Japanese descent during this era.

Character Perspectives on Racism

Racism is a pervasive theme manifesting in the attitudes of the characters. With few exceptions, characters in the novel harbor prejudiced views against the Japanese. Notably, Arthur Chambers faces accusations of sympathizing with the "enemy" due to his inclusion of Japanese perspectives in newspaper editorials.

Even his son, Ishmael, initially exhibits a more positive stance but later succumbs to negative perceptions of the Japanese, influenced by his unrequited love for Hatsue.

One of the most vehemently racist characters is Etta Heine, whose perspective reflects the extreme prejudices prevailing in the community. She perceives the Japanese not as equals but as an evil and vengeful race with sinister motives. Etta's skepticism becomes glaringly evident in her interactions with Carl and Zenhichi, revealing her deeply ingrained biases and contributing to the escalating racial tensions within the narrative.

Author's Exploration of Racism

David Guterson skillfully develops the theme of racism by portraying the general condescending attitude and actions of the white characters towards the Japanese. The narrative is fraught with tension between characters of different races, evident in conflicts such as that between Etta and Zenhichi. Issues surrounding interracial relationships, as seen in the tumultuous connection between Ishmael and Hatsue, further illuminate the complexities of racial dynamics during this period.

The novel employs a dialogue fraught with fear and bigotry, exemplified by statements like "They're Japs...We're in a war with them. We can't have spies around." These elements collectively form the thematic backbone, creating a poignant portrayal of a challenging era in American history where racial tensions played a defining role.

Conclusion

Snow Falling on Cedars serves as a compelling exploration of racism, unveiling the multifaceted dimensions of this pervasive theme. Against the backdrop of San Piedro Island, the novel lays bare the deep-seated prejudices that fueled racial tensions during a tumultuous period in American history. The characters' evolving perspectives, events shaped by bigotry, and the overarching theme of discrimination contribute to a nuanced portrayal of the societal challenges faced by individuals of Japanese descent.

Through Guterson's masterful storytelling, the narrative transcends a mere depiction of historical events, offering readers a profound reflection on the enduring impact of racism. As we navigate the intricate relationships and conflicts within the novel, we gain valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior and societal attitudes, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by racial prejudice.