Snow Falling on Cedars

by

David Guterson

Philip Milholland Character Analysis

The radioman that records the S.S. Corona’s radio transmissions the night of Carl’s death. His notes from this night provide evidence that Carl drowned when the large freighter’s wake threw him from his fishing boat. Milholland was transferred to another position the day after Carl’s death, and his records are unknown until Ishmael discovers them.
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Philip Milholland Character Timeline in Snow Falling on Cedars

The timeline below shows where the character Philip Milholland appears in Snow Falling on Cedars. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 23
Chance vs. Choice Theme Icon
Duty vs. Desire Theme Icon
...Channel Bank, where Carl’s boat had been. The logs were signed by “a Seaman Philip Milholland.” Ishmael pockets the logs and returns to Levant. (full context)
Duty vs. Desire Theme Icon
Ishmael asks Levant who Milholland might be. Levant explains that Milholland was the radioman whom he replaced—on September 16. Ishmael... (full context)
Chapter 30
The Psychological Impact of War  Theme Icon
Chance vs. Choice Theme Icon
Duty vs. Desire Theme Icon
...his help with the car the other day. Ishmael buttons his coat and again feels Milholland’s coast guard’s log. Hatsue again tells Ishmael how unfair Kabuo’s trial was. She tells Ishmael... (full context)
The Psychological Impact of War  Theme Icon
Chance vs. Choice Theme Icon
Duty vs. Desire Theme Icon
...different from other men because of the destructions he witnessed during the war. He feels Milholland’s coast guard’s notes in his pocket and doesn’t know what to do about them. Nothing... (full context)
Chapter 31
Racism and Prejudice Theme Icon
Duty vs. Desire Theme Icon
...their decision. She hopes Ishmael will write an editorial condemning their hatred. Ishmael again feels Milholland’s notes in his pocket. (full context)
The Psychological Impact of War  Theme Icon
Chance vs. Choice Theme Icon
Duty vs. Desire Theme Icon
...woods to the Imadas’ house. He sits with Hatsue and her parents and shows them Milholland’s notes. He explains the notes’ significance and why he’s finally come to talk with Hatsue. (full context)
Chapter 32
Duty vs. Desire Theme Icon
...Carl’s boat first, then they can go to the courthouse with all their new evidence (Milholland’s notes, the spilled coffee, the lantern) in hand and end it all at once. Hatsue... (full context)