Abby C
January 19, 2011
Language Arts 8, Period 7
Digging Deeper into Poetry
The poems “Fire and Ice” and “Crossing the Bar” are alike in some ways but also have
definite differences at the same time. Both authors have a unique writing style that they clearly
show in these two poems. Their specific use of poetic devices comes out in both of these
writings. The writers also create a distinct mood in both poems. These poems are similar because
they both use symbols to express something with greater meaning, have a similar topic, have a
similar use of meter, and use repeated examples of figurative language but different because
completely opposite themes are given, the poetic devices used vary, and the rhyme schemes are
not similar.
Robert Frost’s “Fire and Ice” and Lord Tennyson Alfred’s “Crossing the Bar” styles can
be considered to be both related and not alike in these poems. In “Fire and Ice”, Robert Frost
uses a non-consistent rhyme scheme. Even though the words do rhyme, there is no pattern and no
particular order. Also, only three different sounds are used when rhyming. The rhyme scheme of
Frost’s poem is AAABCBCB. In “Crossing the Bar” there is an obvious pattern used throughout
the entire poem. Eight ending sounds are used to rhyme in this poem. The pattern of “Crossing
the Bar” is ABAB CDCD EFEF GHGH. Frost uses one of three numbers of syllables in each line
of his poem, but there is no pattern used beyond that. Each line of his poem either has nine, four,
or eight syllables. In a way, “Crossing Bar” is alike. Even though the same numbers are not used,
this poem still uses one of three numbers of syllables for each line and has no particular pattern.
The numbers are just four, six, and ten instead. Robert Frost uses couplet once in his poem,
which Lord Tennyson Alfred does not use in his poem. “Crossing the Bar” has end rhyme and
allusion displayed all through the poem. In Lord Tennyson’s poem, the voice explains, “but such
a tide as moving seems asleep” (ln 5). This is an example of personification, which Frost does
not use. Both poems have at least on example of figurative language. In “Fire and Ice,” the voice
explains, “ from what I’ve tasted of desire” (ln 3). This is clearly figurative language because
nobody can actually taste desire. Also, in these two poems symbolism is used. The sand bar is
used as a symbol of death in “Crossing the Bar.” Even though it is not quite as direct as the sand
bar, fire and ice are used as symbols of death in the Frost poem.
Although the topic is the same, these writings have mainly opposite themes. In “Fire and
Ice” there is said to be two ways that a person can die. “Crossing the Bar” gives the general idea
that everyone will die in one particular setting. Robert Frost expresses death in a negative way.
The theme of his poem is there are two ways to possibly die and neither is good. Lord Tennyson
gives the idea that death can be a positive thing. The theme of “Crossing the Bar” is death can be
a peaceful or fulfilling experience because everyone returns home to God when they pass. In
Lord Tennyson’s poem, the voice explains, “ and may there be no sadness of farewell” (ln 11).
That line states that nobody should be sad when a person dies because that person now gets to
start a new life with God. Even though the themes of these two poems are very different, one
thing is the same. Both pieces tell that the experience of death can be better if the person has a
more positive outlook about dying and what comes after life on Earth is done.
“Crossing the Bar” and “Fire and Ice” are two of the most famous poems in literature
history. The main message, rhyme scheme technique, overall use of poetic devices, and word
usage are considerably different in the writings. At the same time though, the general meter idea,
use of figurative language, symbolism, and topic of death are mainly alike in the poems. The
pieces have their own individual personalities but are still connected by the laws of poetry.