The End of East, by Sookfong Lee and Snow Falling on Cedars, Directed by Scott Hicks

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Regardless of dissimilarities, the gift of innocence is given to all children. From birth, children lack knowledge of evil, and thus free from being accountable for their actions. Nevertheless as this child progresses further in life, they are exposed to violence, sexual behaviours and other evil existing within the world, losing their innocence in the process. The End of East, written by Sookfong Lee, is about the immigrant experience of several youth in the Chan family across several generations, and their experiences in a new country. Similarly, the film, Snow Falling on Cedars, directed by Scott Hicks, tells the story of a Japanese man accused on trial for murder, while the hidden past between a reporter and the wife of the accused is uncovered. Both these works express the idea of individuals starting off in innocence and naivety, and the encounters with unfamiliar situations which steal their precious gift. Ernest Hemingway once said “All things truly wicked start from innocence”. Despite the grave truth in these words, the loss of innocence must occur in one’s life. Through the works, The End of East and Snow Falling on Cedars, the creators show that without experiencing the loss of innocence and dealing with its consequences, one cannot develop the depth in perspective needed to cope with reality.

The End of East, portrays several individuals who lose their innocence, and as a result experience tremendous growth, able to find peace with their decisions. Seid Quan begins his journey as a young adolescent who, “wants his mother” (Sookfong Lee, 14). He is afraid of walking upon the road ahead, unsure of success. Seid Quan loses his innocence through, being exposed to a new country, facing its violence, and eventual...

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...ocence in order to take control of their future, and survive the life that lies ahead of them. On the other hand, Ishmael must deal with losing his innocence, in order to move on from the past. While one of these individuals must find right path to take for themselves, the other must release himself from the shackles rooted deep within their heart. The oucome however is shared, as both are able to take a step forward, and in such a condition where they will not crumble at the conquest ahead; tomorrow. The depiction of losing innocence illustrates that only by losing something so dear, does one realizes its’ true value; the purpose of its existence. Through facing the outcomes of decisions made in life, children emerge as adults, with the perspective needed to see the world through others eyes, and the maturity needed to comprehend what it is they are seeing.

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