Fire and Ice Extra Question Answer English

By | October 12, 2023

Extra Questions, Notes, Assignment and study material for Class 10th as Per Latest CBSE Syllabus

Chapter- 2.1 English Language and Literature-First Flight (Latest 2023-24)

Fire and Ice Extra Question Answer English

By Robert Frost  

About the Author- Robert Frost                       

About the Poet  

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Robert Frost was a famous American poet. He was born in San Francisco on March 26, 1874. His father belonged to New England, and his mother was a Scottish emigrant from Edinburgh. By 1920s, Frost was the most celebrated poet in America. His poetical works ‘A Boy’s Will’ (1913), ‘North of Boston’ (1914), `New Hampshire’ (1923), ‘A Further Range’ (1936) ‘Steeple Bush’ (1947) and ‘In the Clearing’ (1962) increased his fame and honour. The poem ‘Dust of Snow’ was published in ‘New Hampshire’ in 1923. This collection gave him the Pulitzer Prize.

Introduction of the lesson- Fire and Ice

Following is the introduction English text for Chapter Fire and Ice Class 10,’ aimed to give you a clear grasp of its main ideas.”

‘Fire and Ice’ is a highly symbolic poem by Robert Frost. This poem is a meditation about how the world will end the poet says that the fire of lusts and endless desires and ice of hatred among human beings will put this world to an end one day.

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(‘Fire and Ice’ रॉबर्ट फ्रॉस्ट द्वारा रचित एक अति प्रतीकात्मक कविता है।यह कविता इस विषय में एक चिंतन है कि संसार का अंत कैसे होगा आकांक्षा और असीम इच्छाओं की अग्नि तथा एक मनुष्य की दूसरे मनुष्य से घृणा करती बर्फ इस संसार को एक दिन नष्ट कर देगी।)

Plot/ Theme / Central Idea of the Lesson/ Literary Analysis of Fire and Ice/ Main Idea

Central Idea of the Poem

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`Fire and Ice’, is an extremely compact little lyric. Not a syllable is wasted. The theme of the poem is the age-old question. The question is whether the world will end in fire or in ice. The poet decides that any of the two options would achieve its purpose sufficiently well. The poet shares the common belief that everything that exists will have its end too. People are divided on this issue. Some think that the natural element of fire will cause the destruction of this world. Others believe that ice will be the cause of the end. Putting in terms of human emotions, the element of ‘fire’ stands for passions, desires and love. Unbridled passions and desires can cause the end of the world. The poet has experienced both these emotions. It doesn’t matter how the world will end. Even hate born out of cold and icy reason is sufficient to cause destruction and the end of the world.

Style

The little lyric is extremely compact. Not a single syllable is wasted. The aim is aphorism — brevity. For Frost truth remains ambiguous. The question goes unanswered. The subject is highly sublime. The treatment or language is very simple. The rhyme scheme of the poem is a, b, a, a; b, c, b, c, b.

Summary in English- Fire and Ice

Take a look at the following summary example to better understand the chapter Fire and Ice crafted through careful summary writing.

DETAILED SUMMARY

‘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 of human misdeeds’. The poet says that both fire and ice are destructive. Fire  of violent desires will put the world to an end. If the world had to perish twice then it will be-perished by-.  the hatred between man and man. Ice has been presented as a symbol of hatred.

Detailed Summary (2)

1.End of the World: It is certain that this world will come to an end. The poet shares the belief of the people that everything that exists now will end sooner or later. The poet deals with a very sublime subject — the end of the world.

2. Two Different Beliefs: The poet talks about the two different beliefs regarding the end of this material world. Some say that this world will ‘end in the fire’. The world will be reduced to a fireball in the end. There are others who think that this world will end in ice, freezing all kinds of life into death and destruction.

3. Poet’s View: The poet sides with those who believe that this world will end in fire. The poet links these two very powerful elements of nature to human emotions and human behaviour. ‘Fire’ is a symbol of human passions.

The fire also stands for unbridled desires. Uncontrolled passions of love and desire will be the cause of the destruction of this world. Uncontrolled fire and untamed passionate desires will certainly bring an end of this world. The poet confesses that he himself has ‘tasted of desire’. So, he is quite aware of the potential of unbridled passions and fire of the love of causing death and destruction.

4. ‘Ice’ Represents ‘Hate’ or ‘Cold’ Reason: No doubt, ‘fire’ can bring an end of this world. But if this world has to be destroyed twice, then Ice’ can serve that purpose `Ice’ represents a dialectical emotion that is opposite to ‘fire’. It represents ‘hate’. This ‘hate’ is not the product of an outburst for revenge. On the other hand, it stands for cold and ice reasoning. The poet compares the nature of ice with hatred. Ice benumbs. So is cold and calculated reasoning. ‘Hate’ born of cold reasoning, makes a man insensitive to feelings. Hatred can make our minds numb. Cold thoughts and reasoning make us, insensitive and cruel. So, the poet thinks that ‘ice’ or ‘hate’ can be a great and strong cause for the destruction of this world. ‘Ice’ or hatred will ‘suffice’ to bring an end of this world.

Main Points of the Poem

  1. The poet feels that this world of ours will come to an end.
  2. He is not very clear when the end will come.
  3. He comes to this conclusion on the basis of what people say on this subject.
  4. He seems to show his agreement at what people say regarding the ending of the world.
  5. On the basis of what people think, the poet believes that this world will come to an end by the two highly contrasting but powerful elements of nature — fire and ice.
  6. Either fire or ice or both will be the cause of the ending of the world.
  7. Then the poet links these two powerful natural elements to human beings and their emotions.
  8. In the first stanza, the poet shows his agreement with those who believe that fire will cause the end of the world.
  9. He links the element of fire to the human emotion of desire or passions.
  10. The uncontrolled fire of passion and desire may lead us to the end of this world.
  11. Then, the poet comes to the second alternative that can cause the end of this world.
  12. It is the ‘ice’ which can also cause the end of the world.
  13. In terms of human emotion, ice means ‘hate’ created by ‘cold reasoning’.
  14. Cool and calculated icy reasoning can lead to hate and can be the cause of the end of this world.
  15. The poet himself has experienced both these primal emotions of love as well as hate, fire as well as ice, passions as well as cold reason.
  16. He has experienced enough of hate which is born out of icy cold reasoning.
  17. In the end, Frost agrees that it doesn’t matter whether it is fire or ice, bo can cause the end of the world.
  18. ‘Ice’ or ‘hate’ born out of cold reasoning is quite sufficient for causing the end of the world.

DETAILED SUMMARY in Hindi – Fire and Ice

Here is the Hindi story summary of the chapter Fire and Ice Class 10,” designed to give you a clear understanding of its essential ideas in Hindi.

‘Fire and Ice’रॉबर्ट फ्रॉस्ट द्वारा रचित एक संकेतात्मक कविता है ।कवि मानवता को जागरूक करना चाहता है कि एक मानव की कुकृत्यों के द्वारा यह संसार समाप्त हो जाएगा ।कवि कहता है कि आग और बर्फ दोनों विध्वंसात्मक हैं।उग्र इच्छाओं ज्वाला संसार को नष्ट कर देगी । यदि संसार को दो बार नष्ट होना पड़ा तो यह आदमी – आदमी के बीच में पाई जाने वाली नफरत के कारण समाप्त हो जाएगा बर्फ को घृणा के प्रतीक  के रूप में प्रस्तुत किया गया है।

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS/ Quiz- Fire and Ice

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

 1. What will the world end in?

(A) fire                                                             (B) ice

(C) both (A) and (B)                                        (D) none of the above

Ans. (C) both (A) and (B)

2. What does violent desire refer to?

(A) fire                                                             (B) ice.

(C) both (A) and (B)                                        (D) none of the above

Ans. (A) fire

3. What does ‘ice’ symbolizes?

(A) love                                                           (B) hatred

(C) violent desire                                             (D) all of the above

Ans. (B) hatred

4. What do some people think, the world will end in?

(A) fire                                                             (B) sun

(C) moon                                                         (D) rain

Ans. (A) fire

5. What does the poet think, the world will end in?

(A) love                                                           (B) ice

(C) both                                                           (D) none of the above

Ans. (B) ice

6. Can hatred destroy the world?

(A) yes                                                            (B) no

(C) maybe                                                      (D) may not be

Ans. (A) yes

7. According to Robert Frost, what will end one day

(A) fire                                                             (B) ice

(C) both (A) and (B)                                        (D) the world

Ans. (D) the world

8. Who is the poet of the poem ‘Fire and Ice’?

(A) Robert Frost                                              (B)William Cowper

(C) Ben Jonson                                               (D) William Blake

Ans. (A) Robert Frost

COMPREHENSION OF STANZAS

 Read the following stanzas and answer the questions that follow :

STANZA 1

Some say the world will end in fire                                    [H..B.S.E. March 2017 (Set-A)]

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favour fire.

Questions :

(a) What do people think about the ending of the world?

(b) What is the poet’s opinion?

(c) What does ‘desire’ mean here?

(d) What is the rhyme scheme of this stanza?

(e) Name the poem and the poet.

Answers :

(a) Some people think that the world will end in fire. Others say that it will end in ice…

(b) The poet thinks it right that the world will end in fire.

(C) Here ‘desire’ means man’s passions and violence.

(d) The rhyme scheme of this stanza is a, b. a. a.

(e) Poem: Fire and Ice

Poet: Robert Frost

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.

Questions :

(a) What does ‘it’ refer to here?

(b) How is ‘ice’ sufficient for destruction?

(C)  What is the main idea of these lines?

(d) What is ice a symbol Of?

(e) What Is the rhyme scheme of this stanza?

Answers :

(a) Here ‘it’ refers to the ‘world’.

(b) ‘Ice’ symbolises hatred. So hatred is sufficient for the world’s destruction.

(c) The main idea of these lines is that hatred can destroy the world.

(d) Ice is a symbol of hatred.

(e) The rhyme scheme of this stanza is ‘Ababa’.

Stanza-3

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.

Word-Meaning: Some — some people, End in fire — in the end, this world will end in a fireball, In ice — this world will freeze and ice will cause the end of this world,  From what I have tasted — (here) from my experience, Tasted of desire — experienced passions and desires in love, Hold with those — stand with those, support those persons, Who favour fire — those who believe that this world will end in fire,

Paraphrase

This existing world will come to an end one day. People are divided on this issue. Some believe that this world will end in fire. The fire of passions and desire will lead to the end of the world. Some people think that this world will end in ice. Cold reasoning and hate will lead this world to destruction. However, the poet has experienced passions of love and desire. He supports those who believe that fire of passions and desires will lead to the destruction of this existing world.

Questions:

(a) What do some people say?

(b) What do others say?

(c) What has the poet tasted?

 (d) Whom does the poet support?

 Answers:

(a) Some people believe that this existing world will end in fire.

(b) Others believe that in the end this existing world will be frozen to ice.

 (c) The poet has tasted the passions and pangs of love and desire.

(d) The poet stands with those who believe that this world will end in fire.

Stanza-4:

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.

Word-Meaning: Perish–destroy, Enough—sufficient, Hate—dislike, Destruction—ruin fitgral Suffice—enough

Paraphrase

Fire can bring the destruction of the existing world. But if this existing world has to be destroyed not once but twice, then ice is strong enough to do this job. The poet has seen and experienced enough of hatred in this world. Cold reasoning devoid of human feeling only Produce hate. And this cold reasoning is like ice.  Ice itself is sufficient enough to cause the destruction of this world.

Questions:

(a) What has to perish twice?

(b) What does the poet know enough?

(c) What is also great for destruction?

(d) What does ‘ice’ symbolise in these lines?

Answers:

(a) This world has to perish twice, once through fire and then through the ice.

(b) The poet knows that there is enough hatred in this world.

(c) Hatred born out of icy-reasoning is also great for destruction.

(d) ‘Ice’ here symbolises cold reasoning devoid of all human warmth and feelings.

Extract Based / comprehension test  Questions and Answers of Fire and Ice

Here are comprehension passage question and answer sets from the chapter Fire and Ice Class 10,” provided to deepen your understanding and help you prepare for exams.

 Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow.

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.

(a) What do people think of the world?

(b) What is the poet’s opinion about the world?

(c) Which two things will destroy the world?

(d) What is the prediction of the people about how the world will come to an end?

Ans. (a) The world will be destroyed with fire and ice.

(b) The poet thinks that we should check our growing desires and love our fellow-beings.

(c) Hatred and Desire.

(d) Some people say that the world will come to an end in a fire while others say it will come to an end in ice.

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.

(a) Why does the poet feel that ‘ice’ is also great for destruction?

(b) What is the rhyme scheme of this stanza of the poem?

(c) The two things that the poet thinks are good enough for destruction are 

(d) What does ‘it’ stand for in the first line?

Ans. (a) Ice equates with `hatred’, which is enough to destroy the world.

(b) a b a b a.

(c) fire and ice which means ‘hatred’ and `desire’

(d) `it’ here stands for the world.

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

[Answer in one sentence each ]

Q.1, What is ‘fire’ a symbol of?                                           [H.B.S.E. March 2017 (Set-C)]

 Ans. ‘Fire is a symbol of lust and endless desires.

Q.2.What is ‘Ice’ a symbol of?                                             [H.B.S.E. March 2017 (Set-C)]

Ans. ‘ice is a symbol of hatred.

Q..3. What will fire do to the world?

Ans. Fire will put the world to an end.

Q.4. What will the world end in?

Ans. The world will end in the fire as well as ice.

Q.5. Why does the poet hold with those who favour fire?

Ans. The poet holds with those who favour fire because the lust for material things is increasing fastly.

Q.6. Why do some people say that the world will end in ice?

 Ans. They say so because hatred among people is increasing fastly.

Q.7. Who is the poet of the poem ‘Fire and Ice’?

Ans. Robert Frost.

Short Answer Type Important Questions

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words :

1. What do you think would be enough to destroy the world? Can Fire and Ice contribute to it?

Ans. Our desires and hatred would be enough to destroy the world. According to the poet, `fire’ represents ‘desire’ and `ice’ represents `hatred’. Desires like fire spread rapidly and engulf one’s whole life. Similarly, ‘hatred’ fills life with poison.

2. What is the underlying idea of the poem `Fire and Ice’?

Ans. The poet equates fire with `desire’ and ice with ‘hatred’. Both of these are growing with enormous speed. If we don’t check them from growing, the world will perish. So we must restrain our desires and love our fellow-beings.

3. Which two ideas about how the world will end have been mentioned in the poem? Which idea does the poet support more?

Ans. The two ideas mentioned are that the world will end in fire or in ice. Though the poet thinks both are great for destruction, yet he seems to favour the idea of the destruction of the world in a fire a little more than in ice.

4. What does ‘fire’ and ice’ stand for and what is the general opinion regarding the world?

Or

According to the poet, what do ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ represent? Do you agree with him?

Ans. According to the poet, ‘fire’ represents desire and ‘ice’ represents hatred. I do agree with the poet. Desires like fire spread rapidly and engulf one’s whole life. Similarly ‘hatred’ fills the whole life with poison. It makes one hard-hearted and cruel.

Q.5. What do people think about the ending of the world? What does the poet think?

Ans. Some people think that someday the world will end in fire. On the other hand. some people say. that it will end in ice. The poet has tasted both the fire and the ice. He thinks that the world will end in fire. Here fire stands for the tire of desire.

Q.6. How will the world end twice?

 Ans. The poet says that both fire and ice are destructive. Here fire stands for the heat of desire and ice stands for hatred He thinks that our violent desires will end the world. If it survives, it will be ruined by hatred.

Q7. What is the main idea of the poem?

Ans. The main idea of the poem is that there are violent passions in the world. They are destructive. But mare distinctive Mail those violent desires is the hatred between man and man. The poet thinks that one day this hatred will destroy the world

Q8. Will this world come to an end? What does the poet say in this regard?

Ans. Everything that has a beginning or origin, does have an end. It is the eternal law of nature. The existing world will come to an end, someday. The poet believes as many people believe that either ‘fire’ or ‘ice’ will be the cause of the end of the world.

Q9. What do people think about the end of the world? Who does the poet side with and why?

Ans. People are divided over the cause of the end of this world. Some people think that ‘fire’ symbolised by unbridled passions, desires and fury will destroy this world. Others believe that ‘ice’ symbolised by cold reasoning, indifference and hatred will be the cause of destruction. The poet sides with those who believe that ‘fire’ or unbridled passions and desires will result in the destruction of the world.

Q10. Why does the poet say, ‘I’ve tasted of desire/I hold with those who favour fire?

Ans. The poet is familiar with the fire of passions and desires in love. He knows it quite well that are uncontrolled desires, passions and fury lead to our destruction. Similarly, he sides with those people who believe that ‘fire’ symbolised by unbridled passions and desires with be the real cause of the end of the world.

Q11. What will be the cause of the end of the world if it has to perish twice?

Ans. This world is not eternal. Its end is certain. The poet sides with those people who think that ‘fire’ will cause the end of the existing world. But if this world has to perish twice then ‘ice’ is as strong to bring the end of the world as ‘fire’ is. Icy reasoning devoid of human love and sympathy and hatred is sufficient to bring an end of this world.

Q12. How does the poet ‘know enough of hate’? Where will this ‘hate’ lead to?

Ans. ‘Icy’ or cold reasoning can lead to rigidity, indifference and insensitiveness. This can take away all warmth of human feelings, love and sympathy. The result can be disastrous. ‘Hatred’ born out of cold and ‘Icy’ reasoning can lead to the destruction of the world.

Q13. How will ‘ice’ be as ‘great’ and ‘suffice’ for causing the end of this existing world? Do you agree with the poet?

Ans. There is no need for ‘fire’ to destroy the world. Even ‘ice’ is sufficient and ‘strong’ enough to cause the destruction of this world. If this world has to ‘perish twice’, then there is no need for fire to destroy it twice. ‘Ice’ is as ‘strong’ and ‘great’ a cause that can cause the end of this world.

Q14. What is the message of the poem ‘Fire and Ice’?

Ans. The metaphors of ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ are used very effectively to convey a definite message to the readers. ‘Fire’ here stands for our unbridled, uncontrolled and unchecked passions, desires, lust and fury. Such passions are disastrous for human beings. Similarly cold reasoning devoid of all human warmth, love, sympathy will bring insensitivity, cruelty and rigidity. This hatred will lead to the end of this world.

Q15. From when I have tasted of desire

I hold with those who favour fire.

Why does the poet hold with those who favour fire?

 Ans.The poet sides with those who believe that the world will be destroyed by fire. ‘Fire’ is a symbol of desire. The poet has already experienced desire. On the basis of his experience, he knows that excessive desire will destroy the world. That is why he holds with those who favour fire.

Q16. But if it has to perish twice

I think I know enough of hate.

What does ‘it’ refer to? How will it perish twice?

Ans. ‘It’ here refers to the world. The poet says that people hold different opinions about the end of the world. Some say ‘fire’, which stands for ‘desire’, will destroy the world. Secondly, ‘ice’, which stands for ‘hatred’ can also destroy the world.

Q17. To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

In the poem what does ‘ice’ stand for? How is it sufficient to bring destruction?

Ans. ‘Ice’ stands for ‘hatred’. Hatred may be religious, communal or of any other type. According to the poet, there is enough hatred in the world which will destroy the external, physical world one day.

Important Long/ Detailed Answer Type Questions- to be answered in about 100 -150 words each

Answer the following questions in 100-120 words :

1. How does the poem depict the two contrasting ideas— ‘Fire’ and ‘Ice’? Can hatred destroy us and the world? Explain bringing out values which can make this world a better place to live in.

Ans. (i) In this poem, Robert Frost refers to two contrasting ideas—Fire and Ice as predictions of how the world will end. According to him, some people to say that the world will end in a fire while some others hold that this will end in ice. The poet equates desire with fire and hatred with ice. Both the desire and hatred are growing with such a rapid speed that the world will come to an end either of the ways.

 (ii) Yes, hatred can destroy us and the world. Intolerance in behaviour creates hatred that leads to fury and cruelty. One becomes hard-hearted and insensitive to the feelings of others.

 (iii) Love, brotherhood, tolerance, peace, contentment, sensitivity, benevolence, generosity among people can make this world a better place to live in.

2. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? How does it help in bringing out the contrasting ideas in the poem?

Ans. The rhyme scheme of the poem in the first stanza is a, b; a, band in the second stanza it is – a, b, a, b, a.

The lines ending with the same rhythm have the same idea but the line that ends with a different note has the contrasting idea. In the first stanza, the first, third and fourth lines end with the words fire, desire, fire – same rhythm but the second line ends with the word ‘ice’, a different note, also it contrasts with ‘fire’.

 Thus the poet has brought out the contrasting ideas in the poem by using different rhythm.

Q3. There are many ideas about how this world will come to an ‘end’. What are they? Do you agree with the poet and his understanding of the poet and his understanding of the issue in this regard?

Ans. Almost all think that this world will end at one time or the other. It is true that everything that has a beginning or origin will come to an end too. There are many ideas about how this world will come to an end. Some think that ‘fire’ will be the cause of the ‘end’ of the world. Others believe that ‘ice’ will bring the end of the world. Both of these ideas have their valid reasons. The poet sides and stands with those who believe that ‘fire’ will be the cause of the ‘end’. The poet is well aware of how the ‘fire’ of unbridled passions, desires, lust and fury can lead to the destruction of humanity and the world. But the other view is equally convincing. Cold and ‘icy’ reasoning can create insensitiveness, rigidity, frigidity, and indifference in man. Ultimately, it breeds ‘hatred’ and contempt. This kind of ‘icy’ reasoning which is devoid of all human warmth, sympathy, love and understanding will only bring destruction and death of this world.

I believe that both ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ have strong potentialities to bring disasters and destruction to the world.

Q4. What do the metaphors of ‘ice’ and ‘fire’ convey to the readers? Don’t they represent the two extremes of human behaviour that can lead to the destruction and death of this world? What is the message that the poet wants to give to the readers?

Ans. The poet has touched the universal issue of the ending of this existing world. He gives a message as well as a warning to human beings. Man is swaying between two extremes — ‘fire’ and ‘ice’. Sometimes he is torn by his unbridled fire of passions, desires, lusts, longings and fury. This results in greed, avarice and passionate love. All such extremes can lead to unavoidable conflicts and disasters. If not controlled, they can help in bringing an early end of this world.

The other extreme behaviour of human beings is born out of cold and ‘icy’ reasoning. When our cold reasoning becomes completely devoid of human warmth, feelings, love and sympathy, it breeds hatred. Hatred born out of cold indifference, insensitivity and rigidity are strong enough to cause the end of this world. Humanity can redeem itself and possibly save or delay the end of the world by giving up such extremes of thinking and behaviour.

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