How Is Imagery Used In Snow Falling On Cedars

In the novel, Snow Falling on Cedars, The author, David Guterson, characterizes the main character by using imagery, and word choice. He not only evaluates the character, Kabuo Miyamoto, but also accentuates the importance of the setting. He does this by comparing the outside and inside by inferring that they are completely different, while also using a religious touch.

David Guterson, the author, Uses Imagery and word choice to help characterize and understand the main character. In the first paragraph Guterson decides to use very descriptive imagery words. “The accused man… sat proudly upright… grace… softley” (Paragraph 1). In the start of the Novel Guterson uses unusual wording. Using the word accused helps infer that he isn’t proven

It helps the reader infer that he may be confident, yet kind and gentle, which helps describe the character. “Not even a flicker of the eyes.” (Paragraph 1). This is interesting because it is in the same paragraph used to describe him as soft and gentle, but now it’s using an unsettling tone. It could show no remorse or unnatural behavior in this situation. “Irrefutable psychical strength… imperial bearing” (Paragraph 1). Once again, in the same paragraph Guterson describes Kabuo Miyamoto as a powerful and strong individual, after saying his actions are gentle and soft. And using the word Imperial, which is a strong and powerful word, Helps the reader analyze that he must be big, powerful, and strong. Using such strong words in a court scenario isn’t the best view towards Miyamoto, who is being accused of murder, so it’s interesting that the author decided to include this wording. “Veiled the verdict that was to come” (Paragraph 1). Using the phrase was to come, can help show the reader some foreshadowing that he will be guilty. Which is an interesting way

The first contrasting setting is the “humid, overbearing swelter” (paragraph 4) of the inside of the courtroom. This room helps the reader feel and imagine what it must feel like in that scenario. Guterson uses very descriptive words that also trigger the reader's 5-senses. “Steam of the sluggish radiators… humid… the smell of sour mildew” (Paragraph 4). This room is descriptively shown as gross, hot, and overall a horrible place to be. Guterson uses descriptive words that make you feel something, maybe uncomfortable or grossed out. This helps the reader then infer the differences between these two contrasting settings. This helps demonstrate that the inside of the courtroom is relatable to