The Revelation in the Dust and the Snow

There are things in this universe we cannot control (p.387) It is a pleasure to be here for 2011s London Literature Festival. For those who may not know, my name is David Guterson. Many of you may associate me with my most recognised work, Snow Falling on Cedars. Today, I have been asked to discuss the role of setting and how it extends, reflects and influences the characters within this particular novel. Snow Falling on Cedars is an allegory for the pursuit of understanding in life, human nature and relationships. I chose to write Snow Falling on Cedars from a historical perspective to shape the emotional, psychological and philosophical aspects of the plot. The setting in which a story takes place is significant as it allows the reader to better understand the context of the events and themes. This book integrates memories of WWII through flashbacks from the view of different characters. To further the theme of the theme truth and justice, I created the setting of Manzanar Internment Camp, where innocent JapaneseAmericans are sent during the war. When placed in difficult situations, the attitudes of the characters evolve to overcome these certain obstacles. My story takes place in the year 1954 in the event of a snowstorm that affects the small township of Amity Harbor. A blizzard like this one did not come along often the last had hit in [19]36 (p.274). It is ironic that this blizzard coincides with the first incident of murder in a decade: the most distressing news story of the preceding ten years had been the wounding of an island resident by a drunken Seattle yachtsman with a shotgun (p.3). As some of you may have noticed, I have used John Ruskins pathetic fallacy to describe snow throughout the novel. Literary devices and techniques are used to enhance the idea of snow portraying human emotions. Snow is central to the story as it is a symbol of purity, coldness, and virtuosity. Throughout the plot, there are changes in weather to complement the emotions of the time. During the climax of the court trial, a heavy snowstorm hits Amity Harbor, enhancing the apprehension in the atmosphere. The snowstorm then subsides after the truth is uncovered about the murder, as though the snow is a representation for the lifting of a veil or a metaphor for the dissipation of tension. The snow extends the concept

of truth in the events and these descriptions evoke the imagination and emotions of the reader. I desired that the setting of the snowstorm to be multi-faceted. The snow is shown to have a dualistic nature as exemplified through my choice of diction. The words whistling (p.280) and lash[ing] (p.376) are examples of onomatopoeia; where the sounds create a sense of danger and foreboding. The descriptions ethereal (p.149) and winter purity exhibit the other attribute of snow as being serene and beautiful. Furthermore, the antithesis of the emptiness and beauty of the snow is juxtaposed in the depiction that the world was cold and bare and that in this lay its terrible beauty (p.389). It is at this moment in time that the protagonist, Ishmael, reflects on the world around him and realises these contradicting aspects. Subsequently, this inspires him to change his attitude towards morality. By using these devices and techniques, the reader is led to portray the snow as unpredictable, powerful, and having the ability to change everything it encapsulates. The setting of the snowstorm presents a series of opportunities for Ishmael Chambers. The snow creates circumstances that cause him to spend the night at his mothers house. The atmosphere plagues him with memories of his late father and he is reminded of his own failure to live up to his fathers legacy. This causes him to contemplate his ability to deliver the truth of the murder. He remembers what Mr. Nagaishi had said to him at his fathers funeral: *he was a+ man of great fairness and compassion for others (p.309). Earlier, it is foreshadowed by Ishmaels mother, Youre the same, you know. Youre your fathers son (p.31). In chapter 31 of the novel Ishmael is influenced when sitting in his fathers place. He was, it occurred to him, his fathers son (p.386). It is after this that he receives a revelation in the snow. Ishmael is influenced to let himself follow his values and morals: *He+ tried to imagine the truth of what had happened he shut his eyes and exerted himself to see everything clearly (p.399). His morality finally leads him to deliver justice as he hands Judge Fielding the evidence that exonerates the accused man. Ishmaels attitude changes and his values are finally parallel to his fathers. Although snow may be destructive and a hindrance to the people in Amity Harbor; it is an important instrument in revealing the truth and moulding the attitudes of characters. Similar to the snowstorm, Manzanar Internment Camp causes a change in the attitudes of

the internees. Like the snow, the dust at Manzanar has the ability to cover, hide and cause delusions. In the novel, the Japanese-Americans are sent to Manzanar Internment Camp after the bombing of Pearl Harbour. This racial injustice is highlighted by the setting: the conditions are poor and the place is desolate. The Japanese are faced with physical, emotional and mental anguish. Manzanar extends the character of Fujiko Imada. Although she loses her physical strength when she falls ill due to the poor sanitation, she still displays mental wellbeing as *she did+ her best not to give in to her discomfort by speaking of it to her daughters. She did not want them to know that she was suffering inwardly (p.191). Her cultural values of pride, dignity and endurance are reflected by her choice. The unfavourable events harden her values and beliefs and although the poor conditions remain, and the dust covers and blinds; her beliefs remain firm and she continues to push forward. In contrast, there are some exceptions as the psychological nature of the people begins to show through. Fujiko discovers another side of herself where she possesses thoughts that she is not proud of: such as when the wailing of [the] baby ate at her ... [and] she secretly began to wish for the babys death (p.191). Fujiko starts to *feel+ herself beginning to crack (p.191). Her dignity is put to the test as the contortions of her face as she moved her bowels deeply humiliated her (p.191). It is within the dusty setting that her values are challenged. The revelation finally occurs in the event of Fujiko discovering the secret relationship between her daughter Hatsue and Ishmael. She becomes transformed as she realises that she is similar to Hatsue: she has also forgotten the virtues from her Japanese upbringing. Her attitudes towards life become stronger due to this revelation. Fujiko is not the only person whose attitude begins to be challenged. On the first few nights at Manzanar, a Japanese couple commits suicide. This reflects the loss of hope and the view of Manzanar as an end. The Japanese community responds ironically, it has to be (p.194), when in fact the internment is unnecessary and unreasonable. Pathetic fallacy is applied to the setting of the internment camp. It is as though their judgement and values have become clouded like The barbed wire and the rows of dark barracks blurred by blowing dust (p.192). Here, I purposely used alliteration as it is important that this description of the dust stands out to the reader. The purpose of the setting of the dust at

Manzanar is to emphasise the fact that the Japanese are human: they are individuals who struggle to persevere, even with culturally strong attitudes that undermine their thinking. The misery that exists within the setting leads the internees to act blindly and the truth appears to the reader that: when characters are taken out of their comfort zone and placed into a barren land, they become changed within themselves. To conclude, the settings of Manzanar and the Snowstorm are both times of trial and reflection that assists change to the individual. These two particular settings within Snow Falling on Cedars exemplify revelations of truth and justice. The events that take place result in a time of inner reflection that influences the characters decisions and thoughts. These thoughts then extend their values and opinions. It is through the setting that important principles are highlighted and the reader is left captivated and aware of the themes within the novel. Thank you for listening and I hope you have a great time at 2011s London Literature Festival.