Identify and explain the literary device used in the first two lines of the poem: "Some say the world will end in fire, / Some say in ice."
Answer
The poetic device is Anaphora, which is the repetition of the phrase 'Some say' at the beginning of consecutive lines.
The correct answer is The poetic device is Anaphora, which is the repetition of the phrase 'Some say' at the beginning of consecutive lines. — Step 4: State that the poet uses Anaphora here to emphasize the two prevailing opposing theories among people regarding the end of the world.
Step-by-step solution
- Step 1: Analyze the structural pattern of the given lines.
- Step 2: Observe that both lines start with the exact same phrase, 'Some say'.
- Step 3: Recall that the deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines or clauses is called Anaphora.
- Step 4: State that the poet uses Anaphora here to emphasize the two prevailing opposing theories among people regarding the end of the world.
Common mistake: Confusing Anaphora with Alliteration; Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words, whereas Anaphora is the repetition of entire phrases at the start of consecutive lines.
Concept tested: Identification of literary devices
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Related questions
- 1 Discuss how Frost creates contrast between fire and ice to develop the central idea of the poem.
- 2 Analyse the diction and imagery in the lines “But if it had to be so, I think I know enough to say that for the world’s destruction, either it would be fire, which is ‘craving,’ or ice, which is ‘hate.’” How do these choices reinforce Frost’s warning, and why does the poet present them as equally plausible?
- 3 According to Robert Frost, how is 'ice' just as powerful as 'fire' in bringing about the end of the world?
- 4 What is the rhyme scheme of Robert Frost’s poem “Fire and Ice”?
- 5 In the line “From desire we’d have to kill,” Frost uses the word ‘desire.’ Explain the significance of ‘desire’ in the context of the poem.
- 6 Discuss the central theme and moral lesson of Robert Frost's poem 'Fire and Ice'. How does the poet warn humanity about the consequences of uncontrolled emotions?