In Snow Falling on Cedars (SFOC) Guterson effectively uses symbolism to give emphasis to the themes he explores. The title, Snow Falling on Cedars, symbolic in its own right, gives away the type of symbolism Guterson predominantly uses: symbolism through the natural world. As effective as Guterson's symbolism is however, much of it (especially the incessant reference to snow) is occasionally unsubtle in the way it comes across.

Amity Harbour: symbolises humanity. Uses detail to conjure the idea of a believable community. Guterson means it to be microcosmic. Symbolically foreshadows trouble in town with his description of Amity Harbour (harsh, grey) against the verdant beauty of natural surrounds. In Amity Harbour, courthouse is not only the touching point for the narrative structure, but also very symbolic. Crowing of strawberry princess outside courthouse: omniscient POV tells us that strawberry festival was no more that a polite facade to hide...