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Fire and Ice-1

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103 views1 page

Fire and Ice-1

Uploaded by

imdedfr
Copyright
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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FIRE AND ICE

~ Robert Frost

Introduction
Robert Frost’s poem ‘Fire and Ice’ expresses the
idea that the world would end in either of two A. Read the following extracts carefully and
ways, by ice or fire. Both the components are answer the questions that follow.
compared to self-destructing human emotions:
hatred and desire. The poem, very artistically, Question1.
underpins the philosophy that we let our Some say the world will end in fire
emotions rule us and if don’t control them they Somesay in ice.
will surely destroy everything around us. From what I’ve tasted of desire
Similarly, he thinks fire and ice, both are just as I hold with those who favour fire.
competent in bringing the world to an end. (a) What is the poet’s opinion of the world in the
above lines?
Summary (b) What is the contradictory opinion of the
In this poem, Robert Frost refers to the two public?
predictions that have been made on how the (c) Why do you think the poet favours fire?
world will end. Some say it will end in fire.
According to others, the world will end in ice. Question 2.
The poet equates fire with desire. He says that he But if it had to perish twice
has tasted and experienced desire very closely. I think I know enough of hate
He knows that man’s desire for supremacy can To say that for destruction ice
ultimately lead to the destruction of this planet. Is also great
Too much passion and fire can quickly consume And would suffice.
the relationship. (a) What does ‘it’ refer to in the first line?
He then says that if the world has to end twice, (b) What do you mean by ‘perish’?
even ice or extreme coldness is potent enough. (c) What does ice stand for?
He relates ice to hatred and intolerance. Hatred
in the hearts of the people towards their fellow B. Answer as directed.
humans will also result in the end of the world. a. The tone of the poet highlights the seriousness
He strongly feels that indifference and hate can of the subject matter. Justify. (40 words)
cause catastrophic fallouts. b. Fire and Ice projects a very pessimistic outlook.
Message Comment. (40 words)
Through this poem, the poet wishes to convey c. When observed deeply, Fire and Ice can also
the message that if human beings are not able to highlight the feeling of patriotism, sensitivity and
their control their desire and hatred, probably the solidarity. Do you agree? Why/ Why not? (120
world would meet its doom very soon. words)

SOME PROMINENT LITERARY DEVICES

Rhyme Scheme : abaa bcbcb


Anaphora : Some say
Alliteration : Some say
favour fire
Symbolism :
fire : symbol of desire/ greed/ lust/
avarice
ice : symbol of hatred/indifference
Enjambment : “From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour
fire”

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