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.
Theme of the Poem
The destructive power of human desire and the inevitable end of the world brought on by either fire
(passion/desire) or ice (hatred/indifference) are the themes of Robert Frost’s poem “Fire and Ice.”
The poem examines the possibility that either extreme emotion or total indifference could bring
about the end of the world.
Fire and Ice Summary
Summary of the Poem Fire and Ice – Robert Frost’s poem “Fire and Ice” is a strong symbolic poem
where the 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 extremely 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 original 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 a fire would lead to rapid destruction, ice would lead to silent
damage. Similarly, if the 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.
Explanation of the Poem: 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.
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.
