Snow Falling On Cedars, David Guterson
Reading Comprehension
Text 1 « Look at my face » SB p.76

Analyse the title :

Hatsue is probably saying these words; she refers to her ethnic origin (to her Japanese descent). She looks Asian; her features (her traits) betray her Japanese roots (ancestry).
Maybe she wants Ishmael to understand that even though she is a nisei, Japanese blood is flowing in her vein.

Name the characters and indicate the topic of the extract :

A dialogue between Ishmael (line 7) and Hatsue (line 5).The topic is not clearly stated. Indeed, they keep referring to a mysterious event using the pronoun “it” several times. Both characters resort to the indefinite pronoun maybe because they are reluctant to name it properly; they are both unwilling to clarify the situation. The readers are thus puzzled (perplexed).
Both refuse to name the event which probably upsets (= distresses) them. Maybe they refuse to face the truth.

What are their views on the event?

Both characters regard the event as being unbelievable line 4, unreal line 5. They can’t believe what is happening. Besides, they qualify it as unfair line5. They feel there is an injustice and they are victims.
They sound incredulous/baffled / stunned /perplexed as the event seems to be unexpected, unbelievable, and unfair.
They also feel helpless as there is nothing they can do to alter the course of the events.

Ishmael’s reaction

He doesn’t feel responsible for what happened. He and Hatsue did nothing wrong so they can’t be blamed for what happened.line 7 we didn’t get ourselves into it
However, Ishmael has a grudge against Japanese people and he blames them for provoking the awkward situation they are facing and for disrupting their relationships. line 7 the Japanese forced us into it
The culprits are clearly named. Ishmael blames the Japanese for the surprise attack of Pearl Harbour. The US government did not expect the bombing of the Pacific Island. His words