Fire And Ice Essay Examples

The poem by Robert Frost asks the long-time question of what will be the reason for the ends of the earth- will it end on fire or ice. Although the topic of the poem appears morbid (because it talks about how will the earth end) it used an unusual tone to describe something so painful. It combined humor and detachment. The language was simple because Frost did not use any complex words. Frost is known for using plain words in his works in general because he wishes to tap more audience. Because of his use of simple words, the last two lines “Is also great, And would suffice” does not sound as devastating as they really are.
Upon reading the simple poem, the reader would not really get a concrete answer of how the earth it will. On the contrary, the poem opened yet again another question of how the reader would want the earth to end. The lines of the poems both for fire and ice leads only to the simple comment of would suffice. In my opinion, the interpretation of the line is that either opinion, the earth will end eventually. When one reads down the flow of the poem, one can not help but feel excited or intrigued by how Frost will end the question raised by his poem. Frost, in general, is not known for writing about tragedies or destruction. Most of Frost’s works circulate upon the themes of wandering and innocence. In this light, this poem appears to be deeper as it seems as it could be a case of extended symbolism. There may be another symbolism for both fire and ice not only the surface detail of the two are the options for the end of Earth.
The themes that one can pick up while reading the poem are choices and fear. Choices is a more obvious theme between the two mentioned. The choice is between fire or ice. The speaker appears to favour the option of fire more, “From what I’ve tasted of desireI hold with those who favor fire.” But the speaker is fast into mentioning that the coldness is also another effective way of bringing destruction. This choice, again, highlights that Frost is using multiple symbolism. The fire is linked to passion and ice is aligned with coldness, too much of both can cause damage to anything such as relationships.
The second theme is fear (or the lack of it). The speaker in the poem sounds casual upon discussing such a terrifying topic. There also appears to be two side themes on poem that are brought on by the words used. Desire maybe linked to love. It can burn anyone into ashes if one is too passionate that he or she borderlines obsess.
In general, the form, motifs and choice of words of the poem yet again attest to why Frost is being considered as one of the most important poets in history. His ability to stir genuine emotions from his reader is a testament to his effectiveness as a writer. The poem Fire and Ice ended the way it began, in a question. How the earth will end, nobody will now. However, the poem can also be used in describing the destruction of other basic aspects in life such as personal relationships. The important thing that poem suggests is to strike a balance between passion and coldness.