Snow Falling On Cedars
Ch 16
Omniscient narrator tells of Ishmael's depressed response to Hatsue's letter and the consequences of his deployment in the calamitous first wave assault on Betio on the Tarawa atoll.
1 What are the indications that Ishmael is suffering from depression?
2 What does the letter to Hatsue reveal?
3 Are there parallels betweeen the assault on Betio and Ishmael's rebuff from Hatsue? How significant are Ishmael's last words in the chapter in this regard?
Ch 17
Description of the deteriorating weather conditions on the first after noon of the trial. Severe weather and predictable accidents. Hooks questions Art Moran and presents what he sees as fairly clinching evidence.
1 Do a close analysis of the passage on pages 223-224 from 'By three o'clock…' to 'beyond'. Consider the qualities of the description, its relevance to the events inside the courtroom and its wider symbolic suggestions.
2 Consider what we learn about Art Moran and Alvin Hooks from the recess and the court questions.
3 Explain the inference Hooks draws from the exchange of the bowlines.
Ch 18
Omniscient narrator; Art Moran obtains a warrant from Judge Fielding and searches Kabuo's boat. He finds a bloody gaff and arrests Kabuo.
1 Note Moran's five reasons for asking Judge Fielding for a warrant on page 228. Comment on the source and significance of each.
2 Comment on the judge's response.
3 Why does Guterson include the description of the gulls which abandon Kabuo's boat? And the incident with the hose?
4 Comment on the feelings of Moran and Miyamoto as the latter is arrested.