Question

Why does the poet hold with those who favour fire?

Hint:

In poetry, elements like fire and ice often act as symbols. Fire = desire/greed, Ice = hatred/indifference.

Answer 1

The poem “Fire and Ice” by Robert Frost deals with the destructive potential of human emotions. The poet says that he agrees with those who believe that the world will end in fire. Fire here symbolizes intense human emotions such as desire, greed, lust, and hatred.
Step 1: Meaning of fire.
The word “fire” stands for uncontrolled passions and desires that burn within human beings. These emotions are so powerful that they can lead to the destruction of humanity.
Step 2: Poet’s personal experience.
The poet explains that he has experienced desire and passion and knows how consuming and destructive they can be. Therefore, he holds with those who favour fire as the more likely cause of the world’s end.
Step 3: Central message.
The poet wants to convey that unchecked human emotions like greed, anger, and lust have the power to destroy the world, just like fire consumes everything in its path.
Final Answer:
The poet holds with those who favour fire because he believes human desires and passions are strong enough to cause destruction of the world.