Icebreaker

In both the hockey world and the figure skating world, ice skates represent objects of power and agency, for Nathan and Anastasia’s proficiency on the ice is the sole means through which they both pursue professional success. Thus, it is only logical that the differences between Nathan and Anastasia as characters are mirrored in the differences between hockey and figure skating. Nathan is big and aggressive, while Anastasia is petite and graceful. Nathan tackles problems with brute force, focusing on rights and wrongs, while Anastasia recognizes nuance and precision. The difference between the two sports is also represented by the different kinds of ice skates. When Nathan starts figure skating, he has to get used to the “toe picks,” which figure skaters use to jump and spin (225). At first, he keeps falling. He also needs to break in his new skates. The skates therefore become a symbol for the challenges that Nathan faces in this new approach to a once-familiar environment. His difficulty adjusting to the new skates parallels his challenges in getting to know the real Anastasia during their period of celibacy and learning to match her need for good communication.