Snow Falling On Cedars - How does Ishmaels(TM) experience of war influence his character and behaviour in the novel as a whole? Look closely at language and imagery

The first 200 words of this essay...

English coursework - Snow Falling on Cedars

"Ishmael explained matters to two dozen boys..." p218 to the end of the chapter on page 220. How does Ishmaels' experience of war influence his character and behaviour in the novel as a whole? Look closely at language and imagery.

The character of Ishmael Chambers throughout 'Snow Falling on Cedars' is one referred to for many reasons. One of these reasons is that his character and behaviour throughout the novel have been influenced directly by his experience of war in World War II. The passage I will use to explain the reasons for Ishmaels characteristics is one that shows his harsh experience of war, and therefore the reasons why his character is bitter and resentful.

Guterson uses vernacular language throughout this passage to create a sense of realism and immediacy. Ironically, the vernacular language in this passage is used by Ishmael as he is describing the Japanese. Phrases such as "Fucking Japs" shows that whereas Ishmael had a romance with Hatsue - a Japanese girl - in his childhood, his experience of war has stopped him accepting the Japanese race, and instead has made him racist and prejudice