Text of the Poem
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 know that for destruction ice
Is also great,
And would suffice.
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— Allegra Keys, Owl Eyes Editor
If hate is ice, what else could ice be?
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— Allegra Keys, Owl Eyes Editor
The first-person speaker upholds the casual tone.
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— Allegra Keys, Owl Eyes Editor
Not only does desire rhyme with fire, but it’s also a metaphor for fire, suggesting that other human conditions, such as greed or bloodlust, could be used in place of fire.
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— Allegra Keys, Owl Eyes Editor
The apocalyptic theme and casual tone are seemingly incongruent, giving the speaker room to discuss an otherwise difficult subject.
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— Allegra Keys, Owl Eyes Editor
These first few lines set up the poem's juxtaposition as the title suggests: fire and ice. Though not yet apparent, fire and ice represent a multitudinous array of metaphors and symbols.