Questions About Snow Falling on Cedars

by David Guterson (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (7)

Does this book help with anti Muslim prejudice today?

Gary Lindsay Carolyn,
Does the book address Muslim prejudice today? Not directly, but there are unmistakable parallels between the anti-Japanese prejudice of the W…moreCarolyn,
Does the book address Muslim prejudice today? Not directly, but there are unmistakable parallels between the anti-Japanese prejudice of the WWII era and today's situation. The book could easily be used to explore these. At the heart of both questions lies the American Dream, the belief that America is a country that offers the opportunity, through hard work, that one can provide a better life for themselves and their families. At the same time our society creates barriers of prejudice toward the "recent arrivals." This story shows clearly the unfairness of the Japanese internment during WWII, and the lasting effects of military and social training that dehumanizes, demonizes and stereotypes the enemy. This book does not preach but it sensitively explores the sources of prejudice in a way that can be applied to many situations today.(less)

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Are the references to Cedar and the name Ishmael biblical?

Virginia Cedars thrive in the Pacific Northwest. Ishmael is a reference to the character who narrates Moby Dick. In Moby Dick, Ishmael is a peripheral characte…moreCedars thrive in the Pacific Northwest. Ishmael is a reference to the character who narrates Moby Dick. In Moby Dick, Ishmael is a peripheral character when it comes to action; he is primarily an observer who chronicles what he sees.

So the answer, is, "No, neither cedar nor Ishmael are used as Biblical references in this story; although, both cedar and Ishmael are also mentioned in the Bible.
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On the final page the author describes Philip Milholland and the radioman Robert Miller as finishing their lighthouse night watch, sleeping, then awakening and, "transferred to another station. And Art Moran made his arrest." I understand the watch notes were just haphazardly written and stored away, but did I miss some reason as to why one or both of these men would have been arrested?

Holly

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Would this book be appropriate for a seventh grade reader?

Gloria Tulwan I think the story could be, although there is a very graphic description of an autopsy at the beginning of the book. But the language is also quite el…moreI think the story could be, although there is a very graphic description of an autopsy at the beginning of the book. But the language is also quite elaborate and i'm not sure most 12-year-olds would stick with it...(less)

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Shaurik Deshpande

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