Fire and Ice

1. Fire and Ice Robert Frost By: W. M.

2. 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 I had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice

3. “Fire and Ice” is a complete allusion to Dante’s Inferno. Robert Frost’s poem condenses what Dante writes in his book about Hell. Frost tells about how he agrees with Dante that the deepest realms of hell are icy. He also uses figurative language to portray what Hell looks like as well as who is imprisoned there. Robert Frost refers to the different reasons that sinners are sent to Hell and the degree of consequence for wrongdoing on Earth. Frost’s rhythm and rhyme schemes also suppose that his work is an allusion to Dante’s Inferno. Robert Frost also uses alliteration to enhance his poem. To add great meaning to his poem “Fire and Ice,” Frost compares two very different elements to portray one great concept. Brief Interpretation

4. Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. Allusion

5. Symbolism • Nine lines in the poem • “From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire.” • “But if it had to perish twice” • “To say that for destruction ice” • “world will end” • Fire and Ice

6. Rhythm • I think I know enough of hate • Longer lines  Shorter Lines- four stressed  two stressed syllables

7. Rhyme Scheme • Triple repetition on the word “ice” • Twice • Ice • Suffice • ABAABCBCB rhyme scheme

8. Alliteration • Some say the world will end in fire Some say in ice • I hold with those who favor fire