The two distinct yet intertwined themes of Snow Falling on Cedars each have their own conflicts. The external conflict between Kabuo and the white inhabitants of the island represents the theme of racial prejudice and the shattering effects that it has on the lives of whom it victimizes. Ishmael's inner conflict represents themes of morality, love and duty as he decides whether or not to reveal the evidence proving Kabuo's innocence, and removing all chance of him regaining Hatsue's love.
Prominent characters in Guterson's novel all represent individual themes, goals and morality, which transfer into real life issues. Kabuo is a victim of the burden of racial prejudice and human nature's attraction to creating scapegoats. Ishmael represents the internal conflict of emotions, which lead towards, and away from racial prejudice; and the eternal hope that justice will be colorblind. Hatsue provides the link between the Japanese culture and the American culture on the island in the same manner, as she is the link between Ishmael, her teenage boyfriend, and her husband Kabuo. Her role as the link between the white Americans and the Japanese is reinforced by aspects of the novel, such as her appointment of strawberry queen; a role of linkage between the two cultures.
The material focus of the novel is Kabuo's trial, which forms the foundation of the story and the elementary links between other central characters. Hatsue, as Kabuo's wife, furthers her important role as a cultural bridge through Ishmael's struggles. Having lost his arm at the hand of Japanese fire, and being rejected by Hatsue, provide Ishmael with incentive towards prejudice against the Japanese community. Yet Guterson uses this to represent the struggle of morality, and it's clash with prejudice. This struggle against prejudice is a primary element in both Snow Falling on Cedars, and other great novels of cultural influence, such as To Kill a Mockingbird.
