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.
Answer
Desire represents uncontrolled human craving that can lead to destruction like fire.
The correct answer is Desire represents uncontrolled human craving that can lead to destruction like fire. — Conclude that Frost is warning that excessive desire can bring about catastrophic outcomes.
Step-by-step solution
- Locate the line and note that ‘desire’ appears in the stanza dealing with fire.
- Interpret ‘desire’ as a strong, unchecked longing or passion.
- Connect this meaning to the metaphor of fire, which consumes and destroys.
- Conclude that Frost is warning that excessive desire can bring about catastrophic outcomes.
Common mistake: Interpreting ‘desire’ merely as love or affection rather than as a destructive craving.
Concept tested: Significance of a key word
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
Related questions
- 1 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?
- 2 Discuss how Frost creates contrast between fire and ice to develop the central idea of the poem.
- 3 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."
- 4 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?
- 5 What is the rhyme scheme of Robert Frost’s poem “Fire and Ice”?
- 6 According to Robert Frost, how is 'ice' just as powerful as 'fire' in bringing about the end of the world?