FIRE AND ICE (POEM)

Robert Frost’s poem “Fire and Ice” is a strong symbolic poem where fire is used as the emotion of desire and ice, that of hatred. He has used the idea of two groups who have their own possible explanation for the end of the world. One is of the opinion that fire alone, can destroy each and every possibility of life on Earth while the other thinks that if ice as a result of extreme low temperatures could cover the earth’s surface, it would lead to the end of the world. Both the components are compared with self-destructing human emotions: desire and hatred. The poet is originally of the opinion that he has been very closely associated with the “fiery desires” and considers it capable of bringing human beings on the verge of destruction. Thus, he considers fire as more competent for destruction. But then he thinks that “icy hatred” is just as capable of ruining humans, though slowly and steadily. Therefore, if Earth was to end twice, ice would be just as good as fire. If fire would lead to rapid destruction, ice would lead to silent damage. Similarly, if fire is pure passion, ice is pure reason. Thus, the poem, very artistically, underpins the philosophy that we let our emotions rule us and if don’t control them they will surely bring us all on the verge of chaos.

 

Poetic Devices Used in the Poem
Alliteration: Some say the world will end in fire Some say in ice.
Paradox: But if it had to perish twice
Symbolism: Fire – a symbol for desire, Ice – a symbol for hate
Imagery
Fire and ice carry deep connotations, j Fire elicits the feeling of heat and light, but also burning J and pain.
Ice elicits the feeling of coldness, but also indifference and j intolerance.
Rhyme Scheme: ABAC , ABABC