Final answer:
The major theme of 'The Ice Palace' involves contrasting environments and cultures, often symbolized by the use of ice imagery, and highlights the internal struggles and realizations of the characters. These themes explore concepts such as human conditions and societal norms through plot, setting, and character development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major theme of 'The Ice Palace' often revolves around the contrast of emotional and physical environments. Specifically, it can explore the juxtaposition of northern and southern cultures in the United States, the tension between tradition and modernity, or the internal struggles of the characters as they face these differing environments and cultural norms. Notably, the usage of ice imagery can symbolize emotional coldness or rigidity, while contrasting it with the theme of desire and warmth. Moreover, characters in these narratives often face challenges or make realizations about themselves and their relationships in response to this profound contrast. Themes are not explicitly stated but are crucial to delve into the deeper meaning and critique embedded in the narrative.
In literature, themes such as love, jealousy, friendship, societal norms, human struggles, and the human condition are commonly explored. They are integral for analyzing how a story connects with major human concerns, and they can be elucidated through elements like plot, setting, character development, and repeated symbols or imagery. For instance, in 'The Ice Palace', looking at how the cold, icy setting influences the characters' actions and emotions can be key to understanding the text's thematic core.