First Flight Poem ch02 Fire and Ice

CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature
Revision Notes
Chapter 2
Fire and ice (poem)

The poet talks about the two different beliefs regarding end of this world. He says that he is in the favour of those who say this world will end in fire as he has seen the effect and result of uncontrolled and unending desires. He finds the human desires same as fire in its nature. On the other hand, the second belief tells that ice is sufficient for destroying this world and the poet compares the nature of ice with hatred. As ice can make a part of body numb with its prolonged contact like hatred can also give numbness to our mind and thoughts and make us insensitive and cruel.

The poem has been written symbolically.
The poet says that there are mainly two opinions about the end of this world, one by fire and another by ice.
The symbols-‘Fire’ and ‘Ice’ have been used for human emotions like desire and hatred respectively.
As fire can spread very fast and cause a great destruction in no time likewise our desires may also prove very destructive if they go out of control.
Hatred causes slow destruction like ice but it is also very harmful.

First Flight Poem ch02 Fire and Ice - CBSE Revision Notes