The Poetry of Robert Frost

Directions: Read the following poem by the American writer Robert Frost several times [more than twice]. Feel free to mark it up; that is, underline, highlight, or make marginal notes of any of the language you feel is important to understanding the poem. When you feel you understand the poem to the best of your ability, write down your thoughts on a separate sheet of paper. Try to write at least 100 words.

Keep the following content standard in mind:

2.2 Write responses to literature:

a. Develop interpretations exhibiting careful reading, understanding, and insight.

b. Organize interpretations around several clear ideas, premises, or images from the

literary work.

Fire and Ice

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To know that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.