IF-RUDYARD KIPLING

                                                         IF

                                                                     - Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,

Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,

And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

 

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;

If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

 

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

 

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,

And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!    

 

 

1.    The Significance of "If" in Rudyard Kipling's Poem:

Introduction: 

Rudyard Kipling's poem "If" stands as a timeless piece of literature that imparts invaluable wisdom and guidance on navigating life's complexities with resilience and integrity. The significance of the title "If" lies in its invitation to readers to contemplate a series of hypothetical scenarios, each presenting a virtue or quality that, if embraced, leads to personal growth and moral fortitude. 

Conditional Reflections: 

The title "If" immediately establishes a conditional framework for the poem, prompting readers to envision a set of circumstances and consider their responses. Each stanza begins with this word, setting the tone for a contemplative exploration of virtues.

1. Virtues and Values: Through the poem, Kipling outlines a series of virtues such as patience, perseverance, humility, and courage. These qualities are presented as conditions for achieving a well-rounded and honorable character. The title thus serves as a guide, directing readers to reflect on these virtues and consider their significance in personal development.
2. Idealized Self: "If" encourages readers to envision an idealized version of themselves. The title implies that by embodying the virtues laid out in the poem, one can strive towards becoming a person of substance and moral standing. It acts as a call to action, challenging individuals to aspire to a higher standard in their thoughts and actions.
3. Navigating Life's Challenges: The conditional nature of the poem allows readers to contemplate how they would respond to adversity, success, failure, and various situations. The title serves as a framework for self-reflection, prompting individuals to consider whether they possess the qualities necessary to navigate life's challenges with grace and integrity.
4. Timeless Relevance: The title "If" contributes to the poem's timeless relevance. Its open-ended nature allows for a universal application, making the guidance offered by Kipling adaptable to different cultures and generations. It invites readers to engage with the poem in a personal and introspective manner.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the title "If" in Rudyard Kipling's poem serves as a gateway into a contemplative exploration of virtues and values that transcend time. Its conditional framework invites readers to reflect on their own character and consider how they might respond to life's challenges. Through this title, Kipling imparts a valuable message, encouraging individuals to aspire to a higher standard of integrity and resilience in their journey through life.

  2. Poetic Devices:

Rudyard Kipling's poem "If" is rich with various poetic terms and literary devices that contribute to its depth and impact. Here are some poetic terms found in the poem:

1. Rhyme: The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme throughout, employing end rhymes in each quatrain. For example, in the first stanza, "Will" rhymes with "fill," and "Triumph" with "triumph."
2.         Meter: "If" is written in iambic pentameter, a poetic meter consisting of ten syllables per line with alternating stressed and unstressed syllables. This rhythmic structure contributes to the poem's flow and musicality.
3.          Alliteration: There are instances of alliteration, such as in the first line, "If you can keep your head when all about you," where the repeated "k" sound emphasizes the resilience and composure described in the poem.
4.           Assonance: The poem employs assonance, seen in the repetition of vowel sounds, like in the second stanza: "If you can dream—and not make dreams your master." The "ea" sound in "dream" and "master" creates a melodic quality.
5.            Imagery: Kipling uses vivid imagery to convey his message. For instance, "If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster / And treat those two impostors just the same" creates a powerful mental image of facing success and failure with equanimity.
6.            Metaphor: The poem is replete with metaphors, such as the metaphorical use of "Triumph and Disaster" as "impostors." This metaphor suggests that these extremes are not the true measure of a person's character.
7.        Personification: There is personification in lines like "If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, / Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch," where virtue is personified as something that can be kept.
8.     Enjambment: Kipling uses enjambment, the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, throughout the poem. This technique adds a sense of momentum and fluidity to the verses.

These poetic devices collectively contribute to the effectiveness of "If" by creating a rhythmic and memorable structure while enhancing the thematic elements of the poem.