Fire And Ice

By Robert Frost

Central Theme
The 'Fire and Ice' is a poem written by Robert Lee Frost. This poem shows us there are two
ways to end the world and that human emotions are destructive.Fire stands for desire.The
world would end in the flames of fire as the desire for more money and more power will
surely push the world into another nuclear war, which will burn the entire world in flames.Ice
stands for hatred. If somehow,the world survived then the hate for each other in everyone's
heart would be enough to end the world a second time.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

1. What are the two popular views in the society regarding the destruction of the
world:

Ans. The poem deals with the age-old belief about how the world will come to an
end. Some believe that the world will end in fire, but to others, it will end in ice. It is
shown in the poem that each of them has enough potential to bring this world to its
doom (end).

2. What do 'fire' and 'ice' stand for?

Ans. In the poem, 'fire' is associated with human desire, cruelty, and lust, whereas
'ice' is associated with rigidity, hatred, coldness, and indifference.

3. How does the use of language help in making the poem effective and meaningful?

Ans. Frost chooses words from the everyday talk. The poem is full of colloquial tone
and conversational language. The contrast between simple and precise vocabulary,
and the vague gravity of its subjects makes the poem serious and meaningful. The
abrupt beginning of the opening sets the tone of the speech and makes the poem
vivid and lively.

4 Comment on the rhyme scheme of the poem. (Fire and Ice).

Ans. The rhyme scheme of the poem is: aba abc bcb. This rhyme scheme is used to
present the contrasting ideas associated with ice and fire. When the poet talks about
fire, it can be understood that the fire of lust has the potential to destroy the world. At
the same time, it is shown that the coldness of hatred is equally harmful to the
peaceful existence.
5. "But if it had to perish twice". Why does the poet use 'if' in the quotation?

Ans. Nobody knows whether the world will end in fire or in ice. But the idea of the
destruction of the world twice is somewhat complicated. The poet does not believe
that the world will end twice. That's why he expresses his suspicion by using the
term "if ".

6. Is the poet's personal view regarding the end of the world clear enough?

Ans. The poet in the poem represents the dominant views regarding the probable
(possible) causes of the destruction of the world. It may end either in fire or in ice. In
other words, both of them have the power to ruin the world. But the poet does not
give his own stand in this regard, rather he leaves the question unanswered.

7. How does the poet keep himself at a distance from the controversies of the poem?

Ans. The poet takes a unique mechanism to keep himself separate from the
controversies of the poem. Here, he only gives an account of the belief of common
men. Some people think that the world will end in fire while others believe that it will
end in ice. The repetition of the word 'some' in the poem tells us about the aloofness
(to keep away) of the poet from all the controversies.

8. When was the poem first published?

Ans. The poem 'Fire and Ice' was first published in Harper Magazine in December
1920. It was later collected by the poet in New Hampshire, a collection of his verses.

9. Comment on the ending of the poem.

Ans. The ending of the poem implies (concludes) that ice has also the power to bring
about the destruction of the world. So we should not bother (worry) about which one
of the two (fire and ice) is stronger, rather we should keep in mind that both of them
have destructive power. We should not ignore the potential power of ice which is
equally harmful.

10. Comment on the structure of the poem.

Ans. The poem 'Fire and Ice' is a simple poem which consists of nine lines. The
poem is written in a new fashion with the help of simple and colloquial language. The
poem is a combination of six octosyllabic lines and three tetra-syllabic lines. The
rhyme scheme of the poem is- aba abc bcb.

11. "I think I know enough of hate". What does the speaker know about hate?
Ans. The poet says that he knows enough of hate, but we are not told he has first-
hand knowledge about hate or he experiences it at a distance. But the poet's intuitive
power reminds him that it is no less dangerous than the fire of lust. It can also play a
trick upon anybody as it is a silent killer.

12. What is enjambment? Why does the poet use this device in the present poem?

Ans. Enjambment is a continuation of one line to the next line. There is a strong
enjambment in the 7th line. The poet uses this to reveal the tension needed for the
perfect disappointment. This disappointment generates from the poet's fear that ice
is no less powerful than fire. It is generally ignored by the people as it works silently,
but it can also appear to be a great threat to human civilization.

13. Do you think that either fire and ice has the power to ruin the world?

Ans. Yes, I do believe that either fire and ice has the power to ruin the world. We
believe that the world will come to an end someday, but nobody knows when and
how. The world may be destroyed if it becomes hot by the heat of the sun. It may
also ruin it if it gets colder. In both cases, the destruction of the world is certain.

14. What do you think would be enough to destroy the world? Can fire and ice
contribute to it?

Ans. Our desires and hatred would be enough to destroy the world. According to the
poet, 'fire' represents 'desire' and 'ice' represents 'hatred'. Desires like fire spread
rapidly and engulf one's whole life. Similarly, 'hatred' fills life with poison.

15. What is the underlying idea of the poem, 'Fire and Ice'?

Ans. The poet equates fire with 'desire' and ice with 'hatred. Both of these are
growing with enormous speed. If we don't check them from growing, the world will
perish. So we must restrain our desires and love our fellow beings.

16. Which two ideas about how the world will end have been mentioned in the
poem? Which idea does the poet support more?

Ans. The two ideas mentioned are that the world will end in fire or in ice. Though the
poet thinks both are great for destruction, yet he seems to favour the idea of
destruction of the world in fire a little more than in ice.

17. According to the poet, what do 'fire' and 'ice' represent? Do you agree with him?

Ans. According to the poet, 'fire' represents desire and ice' represents hatred. I do
agree with the poet. Desires like fire spread rapidly and engulf one's whole life.
Similarly, 'hatred' fills the whole life with poison. It makes one hard-hearted and
cruel.

18. What do people think about the ending of the world? What does the poet think?

Ans. Some people think that someday the world will end in fire. On the other hand,
some people say that it will end in ice. The poet has tasted both the fire and the ice.
He thinks that the world will end in fire. Here, fire stands for the fire of desire.

19. How will the world end twice?

Ans. The poet says that both fire and ice are destructive. Here, fire stands for the
heat of desire and ice stands for hatred. He thinks that our violent desires will end
the world. If it survives, it will be ruined by hatred.

20. What message does the poet give to the reader?

Ans. Once Robert Frost claimed, "my poem begins in delight but ends in wisdom".
The poem 'Fire and Ice' echoes the above statement. In this poem, the poet
considers the age-old question whether the world will end in fire or in ice. It is quite
interesting that the poet does not give his own opinion in this regard. It is
meaningless to ask which one is stronger as we know both of them are equally
harmful to the world. We can associate fire with lust, greed, avarice and intolerance,
whereas ice can be associated with hatred and indifference. The fire of lust and
greed gets publicity, but the coldness of hatred is also dangerous as it is a silent
killer. All of such black sides of human nature can obstruct the progress of human
civilization.

21. Write a brief note on how Frost deals with the theme in his poems.

Ans. The poetic themes in Frost's poems are beaten track but his handling of them is
unique. To Frost, the incident is not so important, but he gives importance to its
dramatic possibilities. Truth for Frost is not a philosophical concept, rather it is a
rational observation of facts and their representation in a direct way with intimacy.
This is why there is so little of philosophy in Frost and so much of wit and wisdom.
The poet leads his reader towards wisdom by giving him some pleasure at the very
outset.

22. How does the poem depict the two contrasting ideas- 'Fire' and 'Ice'? Can hatred
destroy us and the world? Explain in detail.

Ans. (i) In this poem, Robert Frost refers to two contrasting ideas-Fire and Ice as
predictions of how the world will end. According to him, some people say that the
world will end in a fire, while some say that this will end in ice. The poet equates
desire with fire and hatred with ice. Both the desire and hatred are growing with such
a rapid speed that the world will come to an end either of the ways.

(ii) Yes, hatred can destroy us and the world. Intolerance in behaviour creates hatred
that leads to fury and cruelty. One becomes hard-hearted and insensitive to the
feelings of others. Love, brotherhood, tolerance, peace, contentment, sensitivity,
benevolence, and generosity among people can make this world a better place to
live in.

22. For Frost, what do 'fire' and 'ice' stand for?

Ans. The word 'fire' stands for desire. In the poem, it indicates all types of greed and
lust. In today's world, mankind's greed is endangering the very existence of the
planet Earth. The word 'ice' in the poem indicates hatred and indifference which is as
cold as 'ice'. Cold indifference and hate can be equally destructive

24. How has Frost brought out the contrasting ideas in the poem?

Ans. 'Desire' propels (moves) us in hot pursuit of something, hence, it is compared

with fire. 'Hatred' makes us cold towards others' feelings. The coldness of ice can
numb our senses. Similarly, the coldness of our hearts can numb our kindness. That
is why 'hatred' has been compared with ice.

25. Write down the two different views about the end of the world. (CBSE 2012)

Ans. There is a debate that is going on about the end of the world. People say that
the world will end in fire or in ice. The world is transitory, nothing is perennial
(permanent) in this universe.

26. How does Robert Frost caution the common man?

Ans. Man is selfish, avaricious (greedy), lustful, indifferent and hateful. Robert Frost
cautions the common man and says that he should not forget the bitter reality that
everything in this world is transitory and death is inevitable (can not be stopped).

27. Why does the poet hold with those who favour fire?

Ans. The poet takes the side of those who believe that the world will be destroyed by
fire. Frost connects fire with desire. According to the poet, desire is powerful and can
bring a quick end. Moreover, the fact that he has had personal experience with
desire leads him to first conclude that the world will end by fire.

28. Write the sum and substance of the poem 'Fire and Ice'.
Ans. The crystal clear message that the poet is trying to give is that nothing in this
world is eternal. The poet first concludes that the world must end in fire after
considering his personal experience with desire and passion, the emotions of fire.
But at the same time, ice or hatred can also bring total destruction of this world. We
should thus, not forget this supreme reality and keep ourselves above all selfish
matters.

29. Briefly write about the ideas about how the world will end. (CBSE 2016)

Ans. The world would end as a direct result of either fire or ice. Some scientists
believed that the world would be incinerated (destroyed) from its fiery core, while
others were convinced that the coming ice age would destroy all living things on the
Earth's surface. Frost introduces a more emotional side, associating desire with fire
and hatred with ice. The poem, thus, does not allow for any other opinions in the
black and white debate between fire and ice.

30. To say that for destruction ice is also great for the poet, what does 'ice' stand for?
How is it sufficient to bring destruction? (CBSE 2014)

Ans. 'Ice' symbolises hatred. Hate is just as powerful as desire. While desire
consumes quickly, hate can occur and linger (stay) in people's minds and hearts for
years and sometimes even lifetimes. Hate consumes the hater perhaps even more
than the person or group hated and it can ruin lives. Hate can, thus, be very
destructive and sufficient to bring destruction.

31. 'But if it had to perish twice. How will the world perish twice?

Ans. According to the poet, the world will end due to the 'fire', which symbolises
desire. But if the world had to end twice then it would be due to the hatred
symbolised by 'ice'. The poet feels that there is enough hatred in the world that is
spreading among the people. This hatred will end the world one day

32. Which age old question does the poem revolve around? (CBSE 2013)

Ans. The poem revolves around the age-old question of whether the world will end in
fire or in ice. This is similar to another age-old question, whether it would be
preferable to freeze to death or burn to death. The poet determines that either option
would achieve its purpose sufficiently well.

33. What do people say about the ending of the world? What is the poet's stand?

Ans. The poet says that some people say the world shall end in fire. Some others
say it will end in ice. But the poet thinks that he has tasted the fire of 'desire'. 'Desire'
has a symbolic meaning here. It is akin to 'fire'. It will surely end the world.
34. How will the world end twice?

Ans. The poet says that if the world shall end twice, it will surely end. It will end due
to hatred. The poet feels that hatred is spreading much among the people of the
world. It is a very sad thing. This shall end the world one day.

35. What's the deep(er) meaning given in the poem ?

Ans. The deeper meaning is that 'desire' and 'hatred' are spreading much in the
world. People say that the world shall end due to 'fire' or 'ice'. But he feels that
various human emotions symbolise both of these. 'Fire' shall end it. But 'ice' shall
end it twice. 'Ice' here is 'hatred'. Hatred will wipe out the world altogether.

Long Questions

36. Discuss how extreme behaviour can hasten the end of the world with respect to
'Fire and Ice'. (CBSE 2013)

Ans. 'Fire' symbolises desire and 'Ice' symbolises hatred. Desire is a kind of intense
love or want that focuses people on getting and possessing and acquiring. Our
society is full of people who spend their lives working to get a bigger and better TV, a
more stylish car or a more extravagant house. This kind of desire can lead people to
destruction in the form of bankruptcy or even broken relationships. Frost's poem
speaks on the issue of greed corrupting people and even society. The power of hate,
which is symbolised by ice, is just as great as desire. While desire consumes quickly,
hate produces shy yet restrained devastation. For instance, hate is the root cause of
racism and war. It can linger in people's minds for lifetimes.Moreover, it consumes
the hater even more than the person being hated. It thus ruins lives.

37. The poem 'Fire and Ice', carries with it very deep thematic ideas. Elaborate on
these darkest traits of humanity.

Ans. Frost presents the two of the darkest traits of humanity; the capacity to hate and
the capacity to be consumed by lust or desire. Of the two, he attributes the greater of
the two evils is desire. In giving desire the foremost position with regard to the
destruction of the world, Frost is providing a powerful statement on the subject of
greed and jealousy, saying that above all else, desire is the trait of humanity that is
most likely to lead to its demise. Desire represents the greatest problem that
attributes to the cause of the war. Frost then attributes hatred with the same capacity
to do harm. However, he lessens the relative importance of hatred but still presents it
as having the ability to lead to the destruction of the world if it were to happen for a
second time.
38. The poet presents two reasons which will lead to the destruction of humanity.
What values do you garner from the two possible causes provided by him?

Ans. The poet provides and deals with two possible causes for the end of the world.
He points more towards the emotional and sentimental side of the issue. As for him,
fire denotes deep passion and burning desire, while ice is highlighted for its icy cold
and hatred side of the emotions.

He favours both the arguments and says that either the deep burning passion or the
cold hatred and jealousy factor will push the people to walk on the path of
destruction. The poet is sure of this destruction of humanity.

He first talks about the destruction because of fire and in case this fails, then ice will
end the world. The love that people have for one another will turn into hatred. In the
race of climbing up and outdoing one another, people will tend to hate each other.
These negative emotions will become so strong that it will surpass all the love and
lead to the destruction of humanity.

39 How will the world end? Support your answer with scientific explanation
(CBSE 2014)

Ans. According to the scientists, the two reasons for the destruction of the world will
be either fiery core or the ice age.

Some scientists believed that the world would be incinerated (destroyed) from its
fiery core, while others were convinced that a coming ice age would destroy all living
things on the earth's surface. In other words, either the deep heat or fire under the
earth beds will lead to natural calamities like volcano eruptions, earthquakes and
tsunamis which will one day end the world, or the melting of ice from the snowy
mountains due to global warming will shrink the world. As a result, one day the entire
world will die of the icy water. Frost, thus, tries to warn people against the two
greatest problems being faced by humanity and the consequences of human vices
with an increased effectiveness.