Robert Frost (March 26, 1874 – January 29, 1963 / San Francisco)
Poems by Robert Frost : 34 / 136
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.
Robert Frost
Submitted: Friday, January 03, 2003
Read poems about / on: hate, fire, world
Poems by Robert Frost : 34 / 136
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I see two meanings behind this poem: One, hate, and the other, the end-of-times.
If you don't see it, message me, and I'll try my best to explain.
As someone who hated certain people, this poem has always struck an accord with me. For me this poem contrasts the 2 different approaches to hating and the destruction both are capable of. I have(in the past) done both. I started with the first and turned to the latter as the latter lasts longest and is sweeter though the first is SO intoxicating. The first kind is fiery hate. With this hate, the person lets his passions/desire fuel his pain. Such hate does not last long as the hate burns out leaving in its wake a path of destruction that affects both the hater and the hated. The other form of hate is cold. With this type, the person controls his passions and so thinks he controls the hate. He does nothing rash and passionate but rather, using his hate, becomes cold and calculating until he has a means of carrying out a perfect plan by which to exact whatever the hate demands. Then he executes that plan with cold exactitude. Or the hater will remain frozen with hatred for too long and end up accidentally destroying his life. To me this poem makes the most sense as a measuring of the destructive power of fiery, passionate hate and icy, calculating hate. Fire destroys intoxicatingly quickly but for destruction ice most assuredly does suffice.
The first time I read this poem was in my very old, very worn copy of eclipse from the twilight saga, and for some unexplainable reason it made me feel.... like I belonged, ever since it was my favourite poem and I hope that some day I will be able to write as good poems with as much meaning and soul.
The poem was great and I love the meaning behind it.
Most definitely an all-time favorite. The poem, though short, is able to convey two ideas of complete contrast while giving each its own personality, definition and importance; an excellent example of antithesis. Bringing icy-hot hate and passion to a new level.
can anyone tell me what the poem means, thank you
Rant and rave at close of day or simply freeze away when passion dies.Could be about a relationship.I have though my world had ended once or twice.
this poem can have so many meanings the fire could be war and hate and the ice simply lethargy and uncorcern about every single problem in the world
Such a short poem that delivers a vivid sketch of what our future may turn out to be: which side are you on?
My all time fav this poem right here. Short yet so vast and meaningful; simply amazing.