Extract-Based Question
Q. 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 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.
Question. The poem is a________, put across by the poet.
(a) powerful warning
(b) heart-felt apology
(c) earnest appeal
(d) vengeful threat
Answer : A
Question. Choose the CORRECT statement about the given poem.
(a) Fire and ice are images — they help the readers visualise the power of nature over man.
(b) Fire and ice are symbols — not of natural disasters, but of humanity’s ability to create disasters of its own.
(c) Fire and ice are elements — not of Nature but man-made and possess the ability to create havoc for mankind.
(d) Fire and ice are agents—they change the thinking of mankind from negative to positive and bring harmony.
Answer : B
Question. Select the option that correctly classifies the connotations for fire and ice, as suggested in the poem.
(1) rage (2) violence
(3) indifference (4) hate
(5) greed
(a) Fire- 3, 4; Ice- 1, 2, 5
(b) Fire - 2, 5; lce -1, 3, 4
(c) Fire - 1, 3, 5; Ice - 2, 4
(d) Fire - 1, 2, 4; Ice - 3, 5
Answer : D
Question. Pick the option that is NOT TRUE about the poet according to the extract. The poet
(a) is inclined to believe that the world would most likely end with fire.
(b) has heard divided opinions about the way the world would end in all likelihood.
(c) preaches love and kindness to combat the spread of hate among all.
(d) declares the power of ice to be as destructive as that of fire.
Answer : C
Question. The poet uses the phrasal verb -hold with. Choose the option that DOES NOT indicate a valid phrasal verb.
(a) option 1
(b) option 2
(c) option 3
(d) option 4
Answer : D
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question. . Create a tag line / slogan / catch-phrase for the poem.
Answer : ‘Icy hatred or Fiery desire. Both suffice the world to burn. So humans………. Humans, Beware it’s not at all fun.
Question. . “Fire and Ice” was first published in 1920. Briefly explain how the WW I might have influenced the theme of the poem.
Answer : The poem was published shortly after WW I and weighs up the probability of two different scenarios represented by the elements of the poem’s title. The speaker believes fire to the world ender. Ironically, he also adds that ice- representing hate-world ‘also’ be ‘great’ to bring the end of the world.
Short Answer Type Questions
Question. . Fire and Ice projects a pessimistic outlook. Comment.
Answer : According to me, ‘Fire and Ice’ projects a realistic outlook rather that a pessimistic one. The poet brings forth the view that the world will soon end. It can be either by fire or ice. He mentions that he has tasted everything in life after the World War I. So, it would soon end either with greed or indifference.
Question. . The tone of the speaker contrasts with the seriousness of the subject matter. Justify.
Answer : ‘Fire and Ice’ is a symbolic poem by Robert Frost. The poet wants to aware the humanity that everything will end one day as a result a human misdeeds. His aim is aphorism-brevity for Frost truth remains ambiguous. That’s why the tone contrasts with the seriousness of the subject matter.
Question. . Evaluate the line- Some say the world will end in fire/Some say in ice- in the context of volcanic eruptions,
forest fires, meteor collisions, melting ice caps etc.
Answer : In the poem ‘Fire and Ice’ the poet considers the age-old question of whether the world will end in fire or in ice.
This is similar to another age-old whether it will be preferable to freeze to death or burn to death. The either option would achieve its purpose sufficiently may be in storm of volcanic eruptions, forest fires or melting ice caps.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question. Imagine that Nelson Mandela read ‘Fire and Ice’.
As Mandela, write a diary entry associating the impact of the troubled history of South Africa with the idea expressed in the poem.
You may begin like this:
10 May 1994, Tuesday 10 p.m.
Today, when I am the President of South Africa, I can’t help recalling Robert
Frost’s ‘Fire and Ice’............................... (continue)...........................
Answer : 10 May 1994, Tuesday 10 p. m.
Today, when I am the president of South Africa, I can’t help recalling Robert Frost’s ‘Fire and Ice’,………
……. The poem talks about Fire, Symbol of the dark side of humanity i.e., haterdness and lust, and ice stands for coldness and rigidity. Humans have become insensitive and indifferent towards the feelings of others. They have become selfish and sometimes cruel also.
That day, I read the poem ‘Fire and Ice’ in one of my events. The reaction of the audience to it was spectacular. Given to the history of South Africa and its recent troubles, the poem actually reflects are sufferings of the black people. The Africans have been treated terribly by the ruling governments. It would take many years to recover from that profound hurt. The racial discrimination unleashed a reign of terror, oppression and brutality on us. We needed freedom from the white people and their tyranny. Hope the efforts of my people will change the entire dynamic of Africa.
Question. Most of your classmates, like Frost, feel that man’s greed and rage or hate, would lead the world to its destruction.
You feel that the ‘fire and ice’ in Mankind can be addressed to create a harmonious world.
Write a speech, for your classmates, expressing your belief/s with respect to the poem.
Answer : A very good morning, to each and everyone present in this room. Today I’m here to express my beliefs with respect to the poem ‘Fire and Ice’. Dear friends, I strongly believe that ‘Fire and Ice’ in Mankind can be addressed to create a harmonious world.
We, humans are swaying between two extremes ‘Fire and Ice’. Sometimes we are torn by our unbridled fire of passions, desires, lusts, longings and fury. This further results in greed, avarice and passionate love. All such extreme can lead to conflicts and disasters. If not controlled, they can help in bringing an early end of the world.
Humanity can redeem itself and possibly save or delay the end of the world by giving up such extremes of thinking and behaviour.
So let us keep burning the fire of patriotism, solidarity and sensitivity and put ice on indifference and rigidity to create a harmonious world around us.
