As Cold as Ice

Fitzgerald's "The Ice Palace" is great example of a modernist short story, which would make sense seeing how it was published in the early 20th century. It draws on industrialization in the North in contrast to the South. In doing so, Fitzgerald separates the working class from the lifestyle and values of the rich, which Sally Carrol was unable to adjust to. Sally was also unable to grow used to the weather which was described as cold and entrapping. The weather is symbolic of the way the North is in the story: cold and sober. Sally was finding it hard to connect to the area on a physical level (the cold of the winter) and an emotional level (the cold of industrialization). This story reminded me a lot of Wharton's work in that her characters tended to see the world in a way akin to "the grass is always greener. . ." point of view. This leads to hardships and the discovery of the true self and wants. Also, the ice palace was a great choice for the title because it is symbolic in the story. When Sally becomes lost and trapped within it, it's symbolic of her becoming lost in the life she is trying to lead whereas she could live a free life in the one she was so desperate to refuse back in the South. Being stuck in cold, death-like walls or returning to her roots--Sally made the right choice by returning home.