If
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!
Summary of If
- The Poem’s Origin & Core Message: Rudyard Kipling’s “If—” is a timeless poem often viewed as a guide to achieving a mature, admirable character. It’s believed to have been inspired by Leander Starr Jameson, a friend of Kipling involved in a controversial raid in South Africa. Beyond its biographical connection, the poem presents a series of challenges, conditions to be met, and implies that fulfilling these conditions is the pathway to true manhood, resilience, and a fulfilling life. It’s not simply about doing things, but how you do them.
- What Does “If” Advise? The poem doesn’t offer a list of accomplishments to strive for, but rather qualities of character to cultivate. Kipling urges the reader to maintain composure in chaos, trust their own judgment while understanding others’ doubts, endure hardship without succumbing to bitterness, and find balance between ambition and humility. It’s a call for emotional intelligence, perseverance, and integrity. The poem consistently presents a condition (“If you can…”) followed by a desired trait or action.
- Central Themes: The core themes of “If—” revolve around self-mastery, emotional regulation, humility, perseverance, and the importance of maintaining integrity in all circumstances. The poem also explores the fleeting nature of success and failure, urging the reader to treat both with equanimity. Ultimately, it’s a meditation on what it means to live a virtuous and meaningful life, defining “manhood” not by power or achievement, but by character.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in If
Kipling skillfully employs a variety of literary devices to emphasize the poem’s message and create a memorable reading experience.
- Anaphora: Perhaps the most striking device is the repeated use of “If you can…” at the beginning of almost every line. This anaphora creates a rhythmic, almost incantatory effect, emphasizing the conditional nature of the poem’s advice. It feels less like a set of instructions and more like a series of tests or challenges.
- Assonance & Consonance: Kipling utilizes assonance (repetition of vowel sounds) and consonance (repetition of consonant sounds) to create musicality and emphasize certain phrases. For example, the repetition of the “t” sound in “treat those two” subtly highlights the pairing of Triumph and Disaster. Similarly, the long “o” sound in “not look too good” creates a sense of measured advice.
- Imagery: Although not heavily reliant on vivid imagery, the poem uses powerful metaphors and suggestive phrases. “Build ’em up with worn-out tools” paints a picture of dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity. “Risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss” creates a visual of high‑stakes gamble and the acceptance of potential loss.
- Metaphor & Symbolism: “Triumph and Disaster” are presented as “impostors,” a powerful metaphor suggesting that both success and failure can be deceptive and misleading. The “worn-out tools” symbolize the resources and skills one possesses, even when depleted. The very act of “building” represents resilience and the ability to overcome setbacks.
- Irony: A subtle irony lies in the advice to “not look too good, nor talk too wise.” It suggests that humility and moderation are virtues, and that displaying excessive pride or intelligence can be detrimental. This challenges conventional notions of success and encourages a balanced approach to life.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in If
Beyond literary devices, Kipling employs several poetic techniques to enhance the poem’s impact.
- Structure & Form: The poem consists of four stanzas, each with eight lines (an octave). This consistent structure contributes to the poem’s sense of order and control, mirroring the self‑discipline it advocates.
- Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme scheme is predominantly ABAB CDCD throughout the poem, providing a musical quality and creating a sense of flow. The consistent rhyme scheme reinforces the poem’s message of stability and perseverance.
- Diction & Tone: Kipling employs a formal, yet accessible, diction. The language is precise and deliberate, but not overly ornate. The tone is didactic (instructive) but also encouraging and supportive. It feels like advice offered by a wise mentor.
- Rhythm & Meter: The poem largely follows a consistent rhythm, creating a sense of predictability and control. This rhythm, combined with the rhyme scheme, contributes to the poem’s overall memorability and impact.
- Enjambment: While not prevalent throughout, Kipling occasionally uses enjambment (the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next) to create a sense of momentum and flow. This technique adds a subtle complexity to the poem’s rhythm and emphasizes certain phrases.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are particularly powerful and often quoted to inspire perseverance and integrity.
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!
This closing stanza encapsulates the entire poem’s message, suggesting that true success lies not in material possessions or achievements, but in the cultivation of virtuous character.