Fire And Ice Poem Analysis

Words: 776
Pages: 4

Poets often use natural imagery to convey the theme of a poem. The use of elements of nature allows us, as readers, to create a powerful image in our minds. Furthermore, it allows us to receive a deeper understanding of the poet's message along with their perception of the world. This is evidently seen throughout the poems, "Dreams" by Langston Hughes, "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost, and "Meciendo (Rocking)" by Gabriela Mistral and translated by Doris Dana.

In "Fire and Ice", Robert Frost uses the elements fire and ice to represent the evil forces of desire and hate. In the opening stanza, he introduces the idea that the world will end in fire or ice: "Some say the world will end in fire, / Some say in ice" (lines 1-2). He then links the element of fire to desire:
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Unlike the other two poems, he compares life to a different type of nature, an animal. Hughes uses the metaphor, "Life is a broken winged bird" (3) to compare life without dreams as being like a bird with broken wings. When a bird breaks it's wing, it's mobility and functions are restricted. Because of its inability to fly, it can no longer fulfill its purpose or partake in its desires. Similarly, without dreams and ambition we limit ourselves. We become trapped within a world of doubt and lack the motivation our dreams bring us. In addition, just as a bird's unique ability is to fly, ours is the ability to dream. The poet reflects on how without our unique ability life begins to become dull and ordinary. He does this by comparing life without dreams to a barren field frozen with snow: "For when dreams go / Life is a barren field / Frozen with snow" (6-8). This emphasizes how dreams play an active roll in keeping us active, inspired, and determined. It allows us to set goals for ourselves and work towards them. In addition, it reinforces the idea that dreams are the roots to our