Study Questions &
Essay Topics
Study Questions
1. How does Guterson
use Kabuo's criminal trial to explore prejudice against Japanese-Americans?
2. Guterson alternates
between scenes taking place in the courtroom in the present and
flashbacks from the past. What effect does such a narrative structure
have?
3. How does Alvin
Hooks use the jurors' prejudices
against Japanese-Americans in an effort to win his
case against Kabuo?
Suggested Essay Topics
1. What dramatic purpose does
the snowstorm serve? How does Guterson relate the storm to his narrative?
2. Does Ishmael's decision to
bring the lighthouse evidence to Judge Fielding's attention represent
a major development in Ishmael's character? What is the significance
of Ishmael's decision?
3. The novel presents several
different codes of behavior, each associated with a different character.
What are some of these codes and how do they differ?
4. Considering the demographics
of San Piedro's population, what is ironic about the prejudice against
Japanese immigrants and their descendants? How does Guterson develop
this irony?
5. Why is Sergeant Maples an
inappropriate expert witness
on kendo?
