If-

• STRUCTURE ANALYSIS - iambic pentameter


  Written in a relatively strict rhyme scheme : ABABCDCD = adding a rhythmic flow to the delivery of its moralistic lesson.

  The final rhyming couplet neatly summarises the overarching message asserting the formation of the manhood if there virtues are embraced.

  The speaker of the poem keeps a positive and upbeat tome throughout the work, informing the reader what he/she needs to do in order to be a successful person in life.
• LANGUAGE ANALYSIS

  • REPETITION - ‘if’

  this not only reinforces the conditional nature of the father’s advice but also creates a rhythmic pattern that emphasises the significance of each proposed moral challenge

  • METAPHOR - effectively drives home the poem message

  line 17-18 = metaphorically illustrate values of risk-taking and courage
• KEY THEMES

  • PATIENCE AND RESILIENCE

  I still the virtues of patience and tenacity in the force of adversity (line5 and line 21-22)

  • INTEGRITY AND HUMILITY

  poet stresses the need for truthfulness as see in line 6. Emphasises humility : line 25 - 26
• “And yet don’t look too good, nor look too wise.”


  Kipling introduces a warning. Although men should obviously groom and educate themselves, there is a danger in becoming arrogant - believing that you know everything. By ending the stanza this way, Kipling implies people who lie, hate and lose their heads did not follow the valuable advice
• “ If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster/And treat those two imposters just the same


  The poets decision to capitalise, implies more that that he wanted reader to play close attention to these two words. In english grammar, only proper nouns are capitalised. His use of ’meet’ supports this interpretation.

  DISASTER = discourages people and make them give up on noble pursuits

  TRIUMPH = convinces people that they no longer need to improve themselves

  these two are imposters as they both have negative effects