2. Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
3. Summary
• The speaker considers 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 speaker determines that either option
would achieve its purpose sufficiently well.
4. Fire is the symbol of war in any shape or form. Fire is passionate
hate, which could very easily end the world as we know it.
The other extreme is ice which could, possibly symbolize human
nature - "icy" tendency for apathy, aloofness and nonchalance
about the fact that people are dying all over the place due to a
diverse range of catastrophes.
6. CENTRAL IDEA/ THEME
Major Themes in “Fire and Ice”: Hatred and power of
emotions are the major themes of the poem. The poet
discusses the destructive features of human emotions.
He uses the symbol of fire and ice to show how desires
and hatred contribute to making the world stand at the
verge of chaos. Also, these powerful emotions will
eventually drag the world toward a catastrophic end.
7. LITERARY DEVICES
Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in the
same line such as the long sound of /o/ in “I hold with those who
favour fire”.
Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds in
the same line such as the sound of /f/ in “I hold with those who
favour fire”.
8. Symbolism: Symbolism is a use of symbols to signify ideas and
qualities, by giving them symbolic meanings different from their
literal meanings. “Fire” is the symbol of desires and “Ice”
symbolizes hatred.
Anaphora: It refers to the repetition of a word or expression in
the first part of some verses. For example,
“Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.”
9. Personification: Personification is to give human qualities to
inanimate objects. In this poem, “Fire” and “Ice” are capable of
destruction. Therefore, the poet personifies fire and ice by giving
them a mind which is capable of destroying almost anything.
Imagery: Imagery is used to make readers perceive things
involving their five senses. For example, “Some say the world will
end in fire” and “To say that for destruction ice, is also great”.
10. Q and A
What are the ways that poet says this world will end in ?
The poet is in favour of those peoples who say ____________.
What are the two popular views in the society regarding the
destruction of the world?
What do ‘fire, and ‘ice’ stand for?
Do you think that either of fire and ice has the power the power to
ruin the world?
