English 148
Contemporary Lit
Summer Reading Assessment
Sept ‘11
In the literary works Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson and Infidel by Ayaan
Hirsi Ali, the main character(s) in each work must grapple with the consequence of
strong cultural expectations and its influence on the choices they make as well as the
outcome of those choices. In Snow Falling On Cedars, Hatsue Imada and Ishmael
Chambers must contend with vastly different personal cultural behavior, and the way it
shapes their relationship, while in Infidel, Hirsi Ali must contend with a cultural and
religious system that forces her to make choices that put her at odds with those in her
family.
In a typed, well developed essay (spelling and grammar count), discuss the above
statement, using evidence from each work to support your answer. You may use the texts
for support.