Free Will vs. Chance

Q: Both books deal with the theme of free will vs. chance. What events are chosen of a characters's free will, what events are chance?

A: In the story Snow Falling on Cedars, out of many examples, one is how Kabuo Miyamoto is an innocent, japanese fisherman that was blamed for the murder of Carl Heine, a white fisherman. Because of his race and the way he looks he is blamed for the murder. that is a example of chance. He was not able to choose his fate and what was to become of him. Ishmael decided to kiss Hatsue after having feelings for her for so long. The choice made though was Hatsue in deciding that she cares more about him then what the community or the world would look apon them. During Etta's testimony, she flashes back to how Carl decided to sell 7 acres of land to Kabuo's father, Zenhichi. That was his choice to sell that and make it a eight-year lease-to-own contract in order to help the family out in their time of need.
A few examples from East Of Eden would include Aron and his decision to join the war. He was not drafted and forced to enter the war, he made the choice to risk his life for his country. Catherine also decided to lock Mr. Edwards out of the house, out of her craziness. It wasn't because he was cruel to her or anything of the sort making her do it out of safety.