Step 1: Recall the poem lines.
The poet says: “From what I’ve tasted of desire, I hold with those who favour fire.” This shows the direct comparison of fire with desire.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Hatred – Incorrect, ‘ice’ is compared with hatred, not fire.
(B) Desire – Correct, fire represents uncontrolled human desire and passion.
(C) Hot – Incorrect, not the symbolic meaning here.
(D) Both (A) and (C) – Incorrect, only (B) is right.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the poet compares ‘fire’ with (B) Desire.