Fire and Ice
Fire and Ice - context Summary
Published in 1920
Written and published in 1920 in the collection New Hampshire, Frost’s brief poem imagines two symbolic ends of the world — fire and ice — and links them to human impulses. Using the contrasting images of desire (fire) and hate (ice), the speaker weighs both as viable forces of destruction. The poem reflects Frost’s broader philosophical interest in human nature and moral psychology, offering a compact, ironic reflection on how ordinary emotions can have catastrophic consequences.
Read Complete AnalysesSome say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor 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.
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