1. Will this world come to an end? What does the poet say in this regard?
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 some day. The poet believes as many people believe that either 'fire' or 'ice' will be the cause of the end of the world.
2. What do people think about the end of the world? Who does the poet side with and why?
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. He has himself experienced the fire of passions.
3. Why does the poet say, 'I've tasted of desire/I hold with those who favour fire?
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.
4. What will be the cause of the end of the world if it has to perish twice?
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' Icy reasoning devoid of human love a sympathy and hatred are sufficient bring an end of this world.
5. How does the poet 'know enough hate'? Where will this 'hate' lead to?
'Icy or cold reasoning can lead 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.
6. How will 'ice' be as 'great' and 'suffice for causing the end of this existing world? Do you agree with the poet?
There is no need of '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 of fire to destroy it twice. 'Ice' is as 'strong' and 'great' a cause that can cause the end of this world.
7. What is the message of the poem 'Fire and Ice'?
The metaphors of 'fire' and 'ice' are reused 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 to 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.
8. "From when I have tasted of desire I hold with those who favour fire" Why does the poet hold with those who favour fire?
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.
9. "But if it has to perish twice I think I know enough of hate." What does 'it' refer to? How will it perish twice?
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.
10. To say that for destruction ice is also great In the poem what does 'ice' stand for? How is it sufficient to bring destruction?
'Ice' stands for 'hatred' born out of cold reasoning. This itself is enough to destroy this world. 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.