Snow Falling on Cedars
by David Guterson

Snow Falling on Cedars: Foil 1 key example

Key Examples in Snow Falling on Cedars

Foil
Explanation and Analysis—Ishmael and Kabuo:

Ishmael and Kabuo act as foils for one another throughout the novel because their differences draw attention to key aspects of each character’s identity. Ishmael, on the whole, is restless, uncertain, and horribly tangled in personal resentment. He still clings to his past with Hatsue, even though she is married to Kabuo now and hasn’t indicated she feels the same way about him. He also feels displaced both physically and emotionally on San Piedro after his war injury.