3.1 If (Poem)

 

3.1 If

About the poet:

Rudyard Kipling was an English journalist, short story writer, poet and novelist. Kipling was one of the most popular writers in the United Kingdom, in both prose and verse, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907 at the age of 42. He was the first writer writing in English to receive the prize.

About the poem:

The poem ‘If’ deals with advice given by father to his son. This poem is inspirational and motivational It gives a set of rules for 'grown-up' living. It contains mottos and maxims for life. It is also a blueprint for personal integrity, behaviour and self-development.

Poetic Appreciation of the poem- ‘If’:

 

Title	The title of the poem is ‘If’. It denotes condition.
Poet	The poem is composed by Rudyard Kipling. He was one of the most popular writers in the United Kingdom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Rhyme Scheme	First Stanza: aaaa, bcbc       Second Stanza: abab, cdcd   Third Stanza: abab, cdcd
Figure of Speech	Personification:   e.g. If you can dream and not make dreams your master.   Explanation: Dreams are described as having the human quality of becoming a master.)   Repetition: e.g. If you can dream and not make dreams your master. Explanation: The word dream is repeated to make an idea clearer and more memorable. Metaphor: e.g. Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools. Explanation: The word ‘Knave’ is indirectly compared with unreliable people.
Theme/ Central Idea	The central idea of the poem is the advice given by father to his son. The speaker (father) encourages his son to have confidence. He suggests him to live humble life and to love unconditionally. He also emphasizes that his son will inherit the earth if he understands the valuable instructions of his father. The poem gives inspiration to all.