In Snow Falling on Cedars, the theme of racism stands out most strongly. Events, characters' attitudes, and emotions are all directly related with the surrounding environment of racial tension, caused by war hysteria. This prejudice retains a strong hold over the people of San Piedro Island, as well as all over America at this time.
Events in the novel take place as a direct result of bigotry, such as the search for a "right handed Jap." This comment made by Horace Whaley to Sheriff Moran, caused a search warrant to be issued, with special attention to persons of physically apparent Japanese descent. …
