Meter in "Fire and Ice"

The meter of "Fire and Ice" is irregular, although it does maintain an iambic foot throughout. The first line is tetrameter, followed by dimeter, followed by five lines of tetrameter and ending with two lines of dimeter. The purpose of the variance in line length is to provide natural interruptions in the poem, causing the reader to pause and reread the prior lines in order to understand the meaning of the lines that use dimeter. For instance, when Frost says “Some say in ice” the reader then goes back to the first line fo the poem to reread the subject of what some are saying things about, in this case the end of the world. The meter also creates a general falling action for the poem, as it generally uses the tetrameter until the final two lines, which seem to underwhelm in both length and the final conclusion that is made. Also of note is Frost's use of couplets within the poem. The first and second, third and fourth, fifth and sixth, and seventh and eight are each couplets that mark within themselves important shifts in the poem. The first sets the stage for the end of the world, and relatedly the flaws of humanity. The second introduces the important first person, while dealing with the concept of desire and its relationship to the fire that is so harmful to the earth. The third deals with the knowledge of the speaker, placing himself as a quasi-expert on the subject by saying "I think I know enough of hate." The fourth is responsible for equating hatred with desire, although not to quite the same degree. With the creation of these couplets that have within them seperate focuses in regards to the poem as the whole, the last line is made to be more prominent, drawing attention to it's underwhelming final statement that breaks from any convention of the poem that precedes it. Frost uses the meter as a powerful tool to enhance the meaning, understanding and impact of his poem.