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Fire and Ice

I have to say I love this poem, Fire and Ice, by Robert Frost. What do you think of it? How would you interpet its true meaning?

Fire and Ice

Some 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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Answer #1

The obvious message is about how Robert Frost believes the world will end. However, he had a very dark side to him that few people realize.

In the first two lines, he is realizing that his whole world can be ripped away from him in an instant.

In the 3rd and 4th line he is talking about the desire that he has experienced. Robert Frost was gay and was in a secret relationship with the same man for most of his life. These lines are talking about the heated romance the two had between them. He means that if they were together, it would not be a terrible thing to die in the throws of desire with the man he loves.

In the lines 5 and 6, he is saying that if that didn’t happen and he had to deal with the hatred and misunderstanding from the people that found out he was gay, he could die a cold, heartless death. The pain he feels when everyone looks at him odd or gossips about him being gay feels like his heart is turning to ice.

It is debatable whether or not he means emotional death or physical death.

All that being said, he was a great poet and this is my favorite poem by him. Great choice. :) Sam

Answer #2

Thank you, as I too agree that he was a great poet! [: I value your answer and thanks for taking the time to respond! <=

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