Robert Frost’s poetical version of ‘Fire And Ice’ is an allusive representation of one’s personal choice of fate and destiny. Frost explores the perpetual battle between strong forces of desire and hatred. Such the poem has the power of eliciting an impassioned response on the part of its readers. In the poem, Frost’s juxtaposition of “fire” and “ice” suggest both wishful desires and destructive urgings. Moreover, Frost’s opens questions on power, control and capability of human beings when faced with strong temptation and emotions.
The poem is comprised of nine simple lines that pack a formidable punch when it comes to the ideas and subtle nuances it seeks to introduce to the reader. “Some say the world will end in fire, / Some say in ice,” (1-2) with the reader being presented with the two contradicting forces of the poem – the fire and ice. They tend to represent passion, desire, and the aspects which motivate human action and emotions, on one hand, and Cold rationality, sterility, and the uncompromising aspects of human control on the other.
Frost also presents a strong contrast between the fire and ice by utilizing two distinct sets of diction. While words such as “burning”, “grave”, “surge” and “desire” are used to depict the fire, words such as “frost”, “endless”, “frozen” and “cold” are used to depict the Ice. As is the case with many of Frost’s poems, this poem also deals with the moral choice of taking the “road not taken”, while surrendering the reader to the whims of fate.
When Frost poses the following question at the very beginning of the poem, “Which would it be?” (3), the reader is already prepared to ponder over how these contradictory forces that often control human emotions and behavior might be reconciled. Do we as a society truly believe in the forces of rational and systemic “coldness” or in our impulsive and animalistic “desires”? Do we look out at existence and yearn for power, or can we come to terms with the limits of our control?
The poem’s conclusion does appear to be open-ended and inconclusive. Nevertheless, the poem provides us with an opportunity to ponder over our most fundamental natures which drive us toward spite and yearn for power, or compel us to appreciate our frailties and accept the limits of our being and actions.
Passion versus rationality
Frost juxtaposes fire and ice to represent passion and rationality respectively. Fire symbolizes humans’ passionate and emotional impulses, while ice represents colder and rational impulses. By juxtaposing two opposites, the poet challenges the human ability to make the right decisions in life. On one hand, the fire can be described as passionate and cataclysmic, it gives rise to strong emotions, and can be destructive as well. On the other hand, ice symbolizes something more logical, what is calculated and foreseen, it is chilled and sober. These elements help us examine how a single decision can drastically change our lives.
The poem serves as a reminder that every decision we make who lead us down a specific path, in other words it implies that we create our own fate, for better or for worse. That choice ultimately dictates our lives, whether we choose to be ruled by our emotions or our intellect. Frost warns us against the dangers of burning too hot and of ice becoming too harsh. Furthermore, using dire verse and vivid imagery, the poet repeats his lesson that life’s choices must be made judiciously, for good or bad.
In the face of a momentous choice, the consequences of which cannot be easily foreseen, it is easy for us to let our passions lead us to rash decisions. While these decisions may be intoxicating, they are often poor and unpredictable. The opposite of this is a more reasonable and rational decision, one which can be thought through and analyzed, a decision in which the reality and possible consequences of our choice may be considered beforehand. Ultimately, Frost is encouraging his readers to find a proper balance in life.
Destructive nature of fire
The poem also alludes to how fire can consume and destroy, but simultaneously also purify. In this context, fire has destructive powers, because it resulted in the end of the world either by burning or freezing it. Fire also has a purifying effect, as it can reshape anything standing in its way. Frost suggests that humans become destructively passionate and hurtful when they are ruled by their emotions. Frost believes in the importance of keeping one’s passions in check, for if left unchecked, fire may lead to destructive and hurtful consequences. Thus, Frost implies that one should sacrifice some of their passions in order to find harmony with their inner being and respect for others.
Fire also symbolizes the burning desire of humans to conquer and control nature. While this is understandable, Frost is cautioning against the pride and arrogance of the desire to dominate and diminish nature. These kind of aspirations can be matched only with our own destruction. The power of the fire to consume us should be recognized,and if humans become blinded by their emotions, they should be aware of consequences.
Frost also forces us to think of how our internal fire and external flame should be used in opposition as temperatures of environmental fire burn higher. He suggests that we should be aware of the risks associated with fire, as it has the potential to be destructive. To prevent mankind from further destruction, the poet recommends that we should learn the balance between passion and control.
The Final Statement
The “fire” in Robert Frost’s poem serves as a reminder of the weakness of human nature, the uncontrollable desire and tendency of the individual to be consumed by emotions, and how it could turn a seemingly peaceful situation into a nuclear-like disaster. Fire gives humans both the power and the will to decide, and often impulsive decision may lead to destruction. Frost provides this warning as he draws a comparison between the destructive power of fire – like that of an atomic bomb – and the coldness of ice, which can erase life just as quickly.
Frost leads the reader ever closer to his decision that it is best for us to learn to balance and control our passions, for it is our own passions and desires which may lead to destruction. Instead of letting those burning desires pursue us, the poet encourages us to choose the road not taken and to embrace the power of wisdom, passion, and control. His hope is that we can find a way to reconcile the conflicting desires of fire and ice and construct our own destiny.
The Human Condition
In essence, this poem is a representation of the human condition. Frost’s choice of fire and ice gives us yet another metaphor to understand our own reactions to life’s struggles, joys, and perils. In Fire and Ice, the poem suggests a stark reality in which human beings are both powerful and powerless, depending on their own degree of control over their emotions and desires.
The poem stands as a reminder to its readers to maintain a certain level of rationality even when faced with the various relational onslaughts that life throws their way, for if we allow our emotions to take control, then all may be destroyed. The poem is essentially a call for humans to balance their emotions and desires, instead of letting one or the other go unchecked.
Ultimately, Frost’s poem illustrates that human beings have the power to shape their own lives, either with passion and fire or with rational and coldness. We have the capacity to choose between heat and the cold. With the guiding words of Frost’s poem, we can all make the right decision in our lives.
Conclusion
Robert Frost’s “Fire and Ice” allows the reader to ponder their own decisions in life and to get a sense of balance in their own passions and emotions. Frost implies that neither destruction or stability should be favored at the expense of the other, but rather a synthesis and balance of both should be sought to take the messages of this poem to heart. His poetics are triumphant as he gives readers a man-made power that nobody can. Frost provides an allegorical lesson on personal control and the power of human will.
