If

If

Overview:

  • “If” is a poem written by Rudyard Kipling, a popular British writer and poet.
  • Kipling offers words of wisdom and life lessons through the voice of a father addressing his son.
  • The poem serves as a guide on how to navigate the trials and tribulations of the world, culminating in a vision of the virtuous man.

Themes:

Theme: Patience and Resilience
  • Predominant throughout the poem is the theme of patience and resilience.
  • Lines such as “If you can wait and not be tired by waiting” and “If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew, To serve your turn long after they are gone” instill the virtues of patience and tenacity in the face of adversity.
Theme: Integrity and Humility
  • The poem also communicates the importance of integrity and humility.
  • Kipling stresses the need for truthfulness, as seen in the line “or being lied about, don’t deal in lies”.
  • He also emphasizes humility with the words “If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch”.

Devices and Structure:

Device: Repetition
  • The repetition of the word ‘if’ at the beginning of most lines serves as a key device in the poem.
  • This not only reinforces the conditional nature of the father’s advice but also creates a rhythmic pattern that emphasizes the significance of each proposed moral challenge.
Device: Metaphor
  • The use of metaphors effectively drives home the poem’s message.
  • Lines such as “If you can make one heap of all your winnings, And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss” metaphorically illustrate the values of risk-taking and courage.
Structure:
  • The poem is written in a relatively strict rhyme scheme of ABABCDCD, adding a rhythmic flow to the delivery of its moralistic lesson.
  • The final couplet neatly summarizes the overarching message, asserting the formation of manhood if these virtues are embraced.

Interpretation:

  • “If” serves as a timeless piece of advice, reflecting Rudyard Kipling’s own moral compass and his vision of an ideal man.
  • The poem provides a universal prescription for how to navigate the complex and often challenging world, whilst maintaining one’s principles.
  • It challenges readers to strive for personal growth, patience, and perseverance without losing the core values of honesty, humility, and self-respect.
  • The enduring popularity of “If” lies in its ability to be applicable to a myriad of life scenarios, making it a beloved classic across generations.