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Fire and Ice Poem Introduction: Word Meanings

The poem "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost expresses the idea that the world could end in one of two ways: through fire or through ice. Fire represents human desires and passions, which if left unchecked could destroy everything. Ice represents hatred and indifference, which though slower could also lead to destruction. The poet believes that both fire and ice are equally capable as agents of catastrophic end of the world, as both can represent dangerous human emotions that if not controlled could wreak havoc.

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1K views

Fire and Ice Poem Introduction: Word Meanings

The poem "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost expresses the idea that the world could end in one of two ways: through fire or through ice. Fire represents human desires and passions, which if left unchecked could destroy everything. Ice represents hatred and indifference, which though slower could also lead to destruction. The poet believes that both fire and ice are equally capable as agents of catastrophic end of the world, as both can represent dangerous human emotions that if not controlled could wreak havoc.

Uploaded by

Krishna
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Fire and Ice Poem Introduction

Robert Frost’s poem “Fire and Ice” expresses the profound idea that the world
would end in either of two ways, either by ice or fire. Both the components are
compared with self-destructing human emotions: hatred and desire. The poem,
very artistically, underpins the philosophy that we let our emotions rule us and if
don’t control them they will surely destroy everything around us. Similarly, he
thinks fire and ice, both are just as competent in bringing the world to a
catastrophic end.

Fire and Ice Class 10 CBSE English Poem Summary,


Explanation, Question Answers See Video
Some say the world will end in fire
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
Word meanings
Desire- a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to
happen
Favour- approval, support
The poem expresses the profound idea that the world would end in either of two
ways, either by ice or fire. One group is of the opinion that someday the Earth’s
core will get so heated up that it would lead to fire destroying the earth’s surface.
On the other hand, the second group says that if the temperature goes down to
an extent that makes life on Earth impossible, it would have the same
catastrophic effect. The poet then compares fire and ice with the destructive
features of human emotions; desire and hatred. He says that from what he is
aware about “fiery desires”, he would favour the ones who say that it would be
fire. By saying so, he brings about the idea that human beings let their emotions
rule them and the consequence of unmonitored longing is chaos.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
Word meanings
Perish- die
Suffice- be sufficient
Then by not waving off the first option of fire, he considers if the world has to
expire twice, ice would be equally competent in ending it. He brings about a
contrast between “ice” and “hatred”. The human capability of insensitivity and
hatred has the potential for inner destruction. Though slow and steady, it has the
same effect that desire has on us. So if given an option between fire and ice, ice
would be just as good as fire to destroy the world.

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