ipl-logo

The Role Of Journey In David Guterson's 'Snow Falling On Cedars'

487 Words2 Pages

A journey is a voyage leading to the discovery and transformation of one’s self through the experiences and challenges that confront an individual. This journey may arise circumstantially, however, the destination of the journey depends on the individual and the decisions they make. On the contrary, some journeys do not lead an individual to a monumental transformation, instead these journeys may be cyclical and more self-reflective in nature. These notions are explored thoroughly through the use of several literary and poetic techniques in David Guterson’s novel ‘Snow Falling on Cedars’ and Rosemary Dobson’s poem ‘Cock Crow’. Both texts provide insights into the nature of journeys and how the influences of journeys on individuals may differ.

The concept of circumstance shaping an individual’s journey is a notion deeply rooted within Guterson’s ‘Snow Falling on Cedars’. Through the …show more content…

This journey arises when Ishmael accidentally discovers a crucial piece of evidence which could exonerate Kabuo, who is on trial for alleged murder. The repetition of the word ‘hope’ in “...But I hope the jury comes in with the right verdict…How we all hope the justice system does its job. How we hope for an honest result”, makes evident the dependence Ishmael has towards fate and ‘hope’. His willingness to let hope create the outcomes in this situation is ironic, considering he has the evidence which could completely eliminate the need for ‘hope’, and could also ensure ‘an honest result.’ Yet again, this passivity can also be seen through his stream of consciousness in “I’m bothered, too, when things are unfair…. But sometimes I wonder if unfairness isn’t …. part of things. I wonder if we should even expect fairness, if we should even assume we have right to it. Or if- “ In this quote, Guterson reveals the psyche of Ishmael; specifically, his confusion and indecisiveness about whether or not to use the evidence he has. As the novel progresses, however,

Show More
Related

Analysis Of Journey In Peter Skrzynecki's 'I Am Malala'

375 Words | 2 Pages

Journeys often confront a person with arduous ordeals which makes them susceptible to transformations. You can see this in 'I am Malala ' when Malala clashes with countless obstacles, causing her to adapt to her situation and speak out. This ultimately allows her to transform from a normal schoolgirl to a world known symbol of peace and equality. In contrast, though, some journeys are detrimental but inevitable due to prevailing circumstances as seen in Peter Skrzynecki’s 'Sailing to Australia '. This is because, even though Peter was deported to Australia, mentally he resides in his fond homeland memories.

Read More

Analysis Of Looking For Work By Gary Sot

905 Words | 4 Pages

However, at the end of the article the narrator recognizes that he had a wrong imagination about the

Read More

Analysis Of A Long Way Gone By Ishmael Beah

554 Words | 3 Pages

Ishmael’s novel gives the notion that “humans are capable of true evil and equally capable of regaining humanity and triumph over whatever life brings”. Ishmael Beah was a young boy who was carefree, he liked to rap, dance, and learn. At his time of childhood, there was a war raging across the land of Sierra Leone. The war eventually found its way to his village. He was forced to run away from multiple villages on his way to find freedom from the war.

Read More

Similarities Between Of Mice And Men And Pleasantville

271 Words | 2 Pages

A journey is a movement from one place to another; it can be intellectual, emotional or physical in nature. An examination of the texts ‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck and the film ‘Pleasantville’ by Gary Ross will explore how challenges and obstacles are integral to the journey of life and note the opportunities that may come from these responses. Particular emphasis will be given to how the characters deal with these characters and the way the composer represents these journeys. Loneliness is a challenge that faces characters in both the narrative and film. In ‘Pleasantville’ David is immediately established in the opening shot as alone and alienated.

Read More

What Is The Resilience In A Long Way Gone

421 Words | 2 Pages

Ishmael’s optimistic outlook sustained his determination despite the arduous and prolonged journey he undertook. "I knew that I was not alone. Even when I was, I felt that I was with my family and those who had died in the

Read More

Examples Of Loss Of Innocence In A Long Way Gone

1258 Words | 6 Pages

On Saturday, March 23 the Sierra Leone army came under attack from rebel forces from within the country called the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), a ruthless group of soldiers led by a former army Sierra Leone corporal, Foday Sankoh. They would do anything to gain control of the country including the enlistment of child soldiers, and they had the upper hand until the army followed their strategy and drafted children themselves (Fyfe and Davidson). Many of the child soldiers suffered a lot of physical and psychological trauma from the war including a young boy named Ishmael Beah. In A Long Way Gone, Beah’s recounting of his experiences in the war, portrays the loss of innocence and hope in child soldiers due to the effects of war.

Read More

The Theme Of Loss Of Innocence By Ishmael Beah

994 Words | 4 Pages

With the help of drugs the commanders gave Ishmael and the other boy’s, the gruesome tragedies became an everyday occurrence do not phase them as they once did. These incidences striped the boys of their purity that presents itself in undamaged

Read More

Hope And Forgiveness In A Long Way Gone

1042 Words | 5 Pages

Ishmael Beah, a former child soldier, displays the meaning of optimism and forgiveness. Each prove exactly why positivity and vindication are the way to live life. Individuals need hope and forgiveness in order to heal and move forward in

Read More

Compare And Contrast Migrant Hostel And The Pursuit Of Happyness

1190 Words | 5 Pages

The simile “We lived like birds of passage” portrays the journey experienced by the persona; the comparison of the migrants to birds expressing a common mentality of inferiority and loss of individuality, allowing a connection through shared literal and vicarious journey and highlighting the detrimental effects journey can have on identity and culture. Skrzynecki articulates the understanding that journey, if performed vicariously through interaction with the surrounding society, although detrimental in this text, can foster strong connections between individuals through shared understanding of emotional and physical state produced by

Read More

Brief Summary Of The Book The Cellar

534 Words | 3 Pages

Natasha, your book The Cellar was very eye opening. The Cellar was very well written book, with many details. It also is a real life situation that many people fear. Being taken by someone has always been a fear to me. Because of this I really enjoyed this book, but I also had some small dislikes about it.

Read More

Analysis Of The Worn Path By Eudora Welty

677 Words | 3 Pages

Eudora Welty describes “The Worn Path” as being not so much on the life or death of the grandchild but more so on the journey itself. While the poem “Traveling Through the Dark” is a journey of thought that is more so on the journey to reach a decision than the decision itself. Therefore the process of the journey is more important than the outcome, due to the lessons it has to teach the reader and the development of the character. Both are faced with obstacles to overcome, that affect or influence them along their path, helping to find their identities.

Read More

Themes In Snow Falling On Cedars By David Guterson

994 Words | 4 Pages

Ishmael's actions show that while he understands what the ethical choice would be, he is dictated by his past experiences. Ultimately, Ishmael decides to turn in the evidence and moves on from his memories with Hatsue. His change in heart is a critical turning point in the development of his character. By letting go of the past, he is able to reassert his moral values and move forward with his life. In contrast, Kabuo feels greatly responsible for the atrocities he had to commit during the war.

Read More

A Midsummer Night's Dream Compare And Contrast

500 Words | 2 Pages

Some people feel that it`s quite challenging locating differences between a written story and its film, though, however, some people find it considerably simple to detect differences between the pair. A Midsummer Nights Dream was undoubtedly great cinematic film made in 1999. However, the written play of A Midsummer Nights Dream was much more detailed and more informational. The differences I noticed were the following: The Indian boy and his role, the setting, characters and examples of similarities. First of all, the primary anomaly I noticed implies the Indian boy and his role during the piece.

Read More

Extended Metaphors In The Road Not Taken By Robert Frost

1032 Words | 5 Pages

Throughout this poem, Robert Frost uses extended metaphors to convey that every human has a path that causes them to constantly make choices that will continue to shape their lives. In the first lines of the poem, Frost states, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood/ And sorry I could not travel both” (Lines 1-2). Immediately, the idea is established that the speaker has to make a decision.

Read More

Symbolism In The Road Not Taken

1777 Words | 8 Pages

‘Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening,’ ‘Birches,’ and ‘Mowing’” (Rukhaya). The woods can also dually represent self-reliance and nonconformity. By acknowledging his choice in the woods alone, the traveler shows that he is willing to “oppose social norms” (Rukhaya) and rely on his own instinct to come to a decision. As an extended metaphor for choice, it makes sense that the roads represent the journey of life and decision. There are two roads, two choices, and two representations of decision.

Read More

More about The Role Of Journey In David Guterson's 'Snow Falling On Cedars'

Related Topics

Open Document