English Class 10 - X CBSE Poem 2 Fire and Ice Material

 INTRODUCTION

The poem “Fire and Ice” is written by Robert Frost. It 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, are just as competent in bringing the world to a catastrophic end.

SUMMARY

In this poem, the poet tells us about the two possibilities by which the world will come to an end. Some say that the world will end in fire. The poet says that he is in favor of those people who say that the world will end in fire. This is because he has seen the effect and result of uncontrolled and unending desires over the life of human beings. He finds that human evil desires are similar to fire in its nature. So this fire of desire may become someday a big reason for the destruction of the world. On the other hand, the second belief in this regard says that ice is also equally efficient in the destruction of the world. Here the poet compares the nature of ice with hatred and ignorance. As ice can make the body numb with its prolonged contact, similarly hatred can also give numbness to our mind and thoughts. Therefore it can make us insensitive and cruel. Such cruelty toward humanity can also bring the world to an end. The poet says that if the world will be given another chance for destruction then it will surely be due to ice-like hatred. The poem is revolving around the theme that human emotions have the power of destruction and it has two forms; the fire of desire and the ice of hatred.

MESSAGE

 'Fire and Ice' symbolism has a message that is often ignored. It wants to convey the destructive nature of human emotions and how they can take us to such extremes. Notice that for both emotions, the poet mentions that he has tasted both fiery desire and ice-cold hatred. He says that these emotions might seem harmless, but they can fester and turn us into someone who does not care about anyone or anything. It is on us to keep things under control. These human emotions make us humans and we cannot discard them completely, but we have to keep them under control. We cannot let them take hold of us, or the whole world will come to an end either from fire or ice, or even both.

LITERARY DEVICES

1. Alliteration – Repetition of a consonant sound at the start of two or more closely placed words. The Sound of ‘f’ in favor fire’,’w’ in the world will’.
2. Personification – It is to give human qualities to inanimate objects. In this poem, ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ are 
capable of destruction. Thus the poet personifies fire and ice by giving them the mind and Power to 
destroy anything.
3. Enjambment – It is defined as the thought or clause that does not come to an end at a line break, rather it moves over to the next line. For example, ‘From what I’ve tasted of desire,
I hold with those who favor fire '.

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