Guterson, David: *1956

Snow Falling on Cedars, 1994 - Thematic Parallels: Prejudice

Guterson, David: Snow Falling on Cedars, 1994
This novel blends a murder mystery with themes of love, prejudice, memory, and justice.
The following books are thematically similar. They lend themselves well to being read in groups, compared with one another, or used to teach a similar topic over an extended period with a class:
- Chevalier, Tracy.: Girl with a Pearl Earring, 1999, ~250pp
  This novel explores forbidden attractions and hierarchical relationships in a vivid historical period—a parallel to Jacob’s relationship with Marlena in "Water for Elephants."
  In both novels the characters must operate carefully within systems that judge them for background rather than merit. Truth is dangerous—it can disrupt livelihoods, reputations, and entire communities. Both show how prejudice—whether class-based or racial—limits human connection and fairness.
- Lessing, Doris: The Grass Is Singing, 1950, ~240pp
  This novel deals with social cruelty, inequality, and abuse of power within a challenging setting, mirroring the hardships and interpersonal oppression in "Water for Elephants."
  In both novels, racial prejudice is not just background—it is the central engine of the conflict, shaping the community’s judgment and distorting justice. Weather and environment are almost characters themselves—amplifying mood, symbolizing oppression or isolation, and shaping human behavior.
- Paton, Alan: Cry, the Beloved Country, 1948, ~250pp
  This novel deals with social and economic hardships and compassion, akin to the Depression setting of "Water for Elephants."
  Both novels explore how institutionalized racism and societal fear lead to injustice, wrongful assumptions, and broken relationships. They highlight individuals choosing moral integrity over prejudice or revenge, suggesting that personal choices can challenge systemic injustice. Neither story offers a neat, happy ending — but each suggests that individual acts of decency matter in the face of prejudice.
- Steinbeck, John: Of Mice and Men, 1937, ~100pp
  This is a novella about struggles during the Great Depression, focusing on marginalized characters and tough survival, which shares the historical era and themes of hardship.
  Both novels explore how prejudice shapes relationships, justice, and the fate of marginalized individuals. The “outsider” is judged not for actions alone but for identity. They suggest that isolation intensifies prejudice and misunderstanding, creating cycles of mistrust, and they suggest that personal fate is often sealed by social forces beyond the character’s control.
List of general discussion questions on Prejudice (pdf)
List of essay prompts on Prejudice (pdf)