Snow Falling on Cedars Quotations
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Chapter
Quote
Meaning
His figure, especially the neck and shoulders, communicated the impression of irrefutable physical strength and of precise, imperial bearing.
This quote shows the physical strength and shape of the accused man, Kabuo Miyamoto. It also symbolises that Miyamoto is not afraid of what is happening to him.
The men – two truck farmers, a retired crabber were all dressed in coats and neckties
This shows the importance of this case towards the town. Ordinary people dressed in their Sunday clothes were to be present at the trial.
There was no window anywhere in his cell, no portal in which the autumn light could come to him.
This shows that all the townspeople have no doubt that Miyamoto committed the crime. Even though he has not been convicted yet, he is already put behind bars for months.
The snowfall, which he witnessed out of the corners of his eye … struck him as infinitely beautiful
Kabuo has not seen the light of day in seventy-seven days and is amazed that he has completely missed autumn. Seeing nature outside after such a long time of staring at walls was soothing for him.
Gave him the authority of the conscientious man, for which there was ultimately no substitute
This quote shows that there is no better witness than a conscientious man who uses his judgement. Art Moran used his judgment to help solve the mystery of Heines demise.
As if he had dressed for a costume party and now wandered about in the disguise
This shows that Art Moran is not content with his occupation; he had never really wanted to become the man he has become.
The bone had fractured…Art Moran turned away from it.
This shows Morans uneasiness in the presence of the deceased and further reveals that he is uncomfortable with his job.
He paused and for a moment … until the arteries in his temples pulsed visibly.
Nels Gudmundsson is suffering from many diseases including neurasthenia, yet he persists to offer his services as a lawyer. This shows the mans perseverance and willpower to enforce justice.
Until nine…or thereabouts? Nine?
Nels wants precise facts about what has happened to ensure that the right verdict is attributed. He wants the minutest details to be uncovered; this exactness of detail is a good quality for a lawyer to have.
With a slowness that embarrassed him … he made his way back to the defendants table.
This paragraphs reveals that Nels is ashamed of his condition, for in the past he had not had these problems. He feels that his slowness is a sign of his aging. It also reveals that he does not give up.
He turned to observe the silent sweep of the snowfall … then rose in his black robe.
Once again the snowfall is portrayed as a sign of beauty through the dark times that are plaguing the town of San Piedro. The aging judge looks to the snowfall in order to clear his mind.
There were, on occasion, shouting matches at sea, but far more often a man was alone all night had no one, even, to argue with.
This shows the loneliness of the fishermen when they are at sea; they are rarely accompanied by another. This also reminds that Carl Heine most probably died amiss his loneliness at sea.
Chapter
Quote
Meaning
In short, they were lonely men and products of geography – island men who on occasion realized that they wished to speak but couldnt.
This shows once again the loneliness of the fishermen. Had it not been for the island itself, then the fishermen would be able to speak, to involve themselves better into society, but in their present situation they can not speak for they are alone.
Darkness was there, Thered been the darkness of the war in Carl Heine, as there was in Horace himself
This shows that war has no actual “winner” through the mention of the imprints of darkness that were left in Carl and Horaces memories. The war has left its mark on all who have experienced him.
55-56
It was precisely the sort of lethal impression Horace had seen at least a dozen times … or stick fighting, was exceptionally proficient at killing in this manner
This quote shows that Horace, whom has been to war against the Japanese, takes for granted that all Japanese are the same killing machines he had seen at Pearl Harbour. He immediately deduces that it was very likely that a Kendo stick wielded by a Japanese person was directly related to the cause of death.
They went in and turned the body from one side, the coroner reaching across and pulling from the other … Abel Martinson vomited.
This shows that Horace has grown accustomed over time to this sorry sight, but that Abel is still young in the field, he is not used to seeing or smelling such a thing.
It was coming harder now, much harder, wind-whipped and silent … pushing against the beams of the courthouse attic.
The snow becoming more and more violent has to do with what is happening inside the courtroom, that the case is advancing for the worst and not for better. The snow is still silent though, meaning that the tension is contained; yet it is there.
It was a fine September day of the sort they saw rarely, cloudless and June warm …
This is a very odd statement, for the weather is the complete opposite of the mood. Though Art Moran is burdened with the horrible task of announcing Carl Heines death to Mrs. Heine, it is the most beautiful day of autumn that the town of San Piedro had so far.
Susan Maries curtains were of a clean, smooth yellow, tied off crisply behind careful bows, ruffled, valanced, and undertiered.
This shows that Susan Marie Heine is concerned about how her house looks; she has a way of making as much beauty stand out as possible in anything. This is shown by the perfect placing of the curtains.
Twenty-four islanders of Japanese ancestry, dressed in clothes they reserved for special occasions
This once again shows that this event is very important for the community of San Piedro. The Japanese feel it their duty to attend the trial, for it concerns them directly.
The census taker neglected to list them by name … instead of their real names.
Since the war, the Japanese are treated as mere household objects, which one could throw out as one pleased. Instead of being called by their name, they are called Jap one, two and so on.
Some lied to their parents in Japan and said theyd gotten rich or sent pictures of themselves and younger men.
This shows the desperation of the Japanese men for women, they go to the extent of lying about their appearance and their success to attract women.
Chapter
Quote
Meaning
79-80
Kabuo was in