In the poem "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost, the author creates a parallel between two worlds in which we live in. This short and simple poem, consisting of only one stanza, expresses feelings of the two contrasted elements of fire and ice. The author by writing in this particular way conveys the speculation about how the world will one day end. In fact there are more than one interpretation of this significant poem, a lot like many other poems written by Robert Frost. One view of this poem could also include the self-destruction of the earth due to humanity or it could be simply contrasting the two opposite kind of people living in the world today.
In particular to "Fire and Ice" Robert Frost conveys to the reader his beliefs and portrays examples by metaphor and symbolism, this allows the responder to be implicated in his poem, letting them reflect and conclude a personal meaning.
“Fire and Ice”
These three words are what the entire poem is about. It is the title of the poem and these three words are repeated numerous times throughout. These words elected by the poet creates a fissure between the juxtaposition of "Fire and Ice." Frost illuminates many meanings in which of course can be interpreted differently to each reader. Some elucidation could comprise that the word "Fire" could symbolize the emotions of anger, desire, the lack of compassion, tolerance or even love, also it could symbolize a fiery holocaust which could be the self-destruction of the world which will end everything. The contrasted "Ice" on the other hand could mean the unemotional suffering, cold-hearted, hate or an untimely end.
In addition to this poem, Robert Frost uses alliteration and repetition to convey his meaning. The poet integrates all his techniques into this short, simple poem to beautifully achieve the portrayal of his satirical view.
“Fire” “Desire”
“Ice” “Suffice”
The use of alliteration with the word fire and desire juxtaposed with ice and suffice contributes to the poem by creating a melodious kind of rhyme that brings out the emotion of the responders, getting them personally involved with the poem.
This poem “Fire and Ice,” combines humor, fury, detachment and even forthrightness in a invented form, irregularly interweaving three rhymes and two line lengths into a poem of only nine lines. Not one syllable is wasted. Frost's purpose is simply, aphorism. As usual for Frost, the truth remains ambiguous and the question goes unanswered; to settle for aphorism would be to oversimplify.
