Cracking Ice Symbol Analysis

Ice cracking and giving way symbolizes the danger of Alaska as well as Ernt’s ever-increasing rage. From early in the novel, ice is established as one of the most dangerous features of Alaska. Geneva Walker dies from walking on ice when she shouldn’t, and Leni almost falls into ice while hunting. Typically, ice cracks gradually before eventually giving way in a sudden burst. Similarly, Ernt’s temper builds gradually until eventually he snaps, causing harm to those around him. Subconsciously, Leni draws parallels between her father’s temper and cracking ice. She dreams about falling through ice and being dragged down by something that has her by the feet. Symbolically, that something is Ernt, whose simmering rage is just as dangerous as cracking ice, if not more so.