The feeling of really wanting something, but not wanting it just as much, caused by not knowing which gut instinct to go with since they're complete opposites; this describes the life of Hatsue in the novel Snow Falling on Cedars, written by David Gutterson. Hatsue's views on life are influenced by two other characters in the book. Those two characters are Ishmael, who is her old friend and lover, and her mother. Ishmael represents Hatsue's happy adventurousness, and a do what you want outlook. While her mother represents her feelings of being restrained by life and overall cynical point of view. In the novel Hatsue is torn between two completely different views on life one in which she believes in doing things for herself and the other where family and societies expectations set the rules.

As a young girl Hatsue is taught how to do all...