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 …showed first 75 words of 377 total…

…showed last 75 words of 377 total…the general condescending attitude and actions by the whites towards the Japanese. There is constant tension between characters of different races (Etta and Zenhichi), problems with interracial relationships (Ishmael and Hatsue), and a fearful, bigoted dialogue; "They're Japs...We're in a war with them. We can't have spies around." The majority of elements in the novel revolve around racial issues, as Guterson creates an important and poignant theme of a difficult era in American history.