Introduction
CBSE NCERT Notes for Class 10 English (Poem) Chapter 2 – Fire and Ice
Chapter 2 of the CBSE Class 10 English First Flight book has another poetry, Fire and Ice. This chapter contains two poems by Robert Frost. This section will explore the poem Fire and Ice. Along with the synopsis, we have included the CBSE Class 10 English Poem Notes Fire and Ice. Students will have a thorough understanding of the poem’s significance by reading the CBSE English notes and synopsis. Additionally, students will get an understanding of the poet’s perspective and the message expressed by this poem. The poetry is discussed in depth for the benefit of the pupils.
CBSE Class 10 English notes will assist students in studying the topic thoroughly and clearly.
These CBSE Class 10 English notes were written by subject experts who made the study material very basic, both in terms of language and format.
STANZA 1
Some say the world will end in fire
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
Explanation
The poet analyses popular opinion in these lines and asserts that there are two possible causes for the end of the world.
On the one hand, there are those who believe the world will end as a result of fire. In this instance, fire represents the extreme desire, anger, and greed that exist within human beings. On the other hand, some people prefer ice.
Ice here represents human emotions such as hatred, intolerance, and so on. According to the poet’s experience, the world will end in fire. Thus, the poet remains among those who prefer fire.
STANZA 2
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.
Explanation
The poet suggests in these lines that if the world had to end twice, ice would also be capable of completely destroying it. According to the poet, ice (hatred) is just as potent as fire (desire).
Human beings harbour hatred for a long period of time and it seeps into their hearts. It endures for the duration of one’s life. Thus, the poet believes that either ice or hatred will suffice to bring about the end of this world.
Central Idea of the Poem
Robert Frost’s poem ‘Fire And Ice’ expresses the idea that the world will end in one of two ways: by ice or by fire.
Here, fire represents the ferocity of human desires, cruelty, and greed. Ice represents indifference in human relationships, hostility toward others, and so forth.
According to the poet, both fire and ice are equally capable of annihilating the world.