Revision Notes

1. ‘If—’ by Rudyard Kipling

Bio of the Poet

  • Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936): An English author and poet, Kipling was born in India during the British colonial period. He is best known for works like The Jungle Book and Kim, and for his reflections on British imperialism, masculinity, and duty.
  • Kipling received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907, becoming the first English-language writer to do so.
  • ‘If—’ was written in 1895 and published in 1910 in Rewards and Fairies. It was inspired by the life of Leander Starr Jameson, who led an unsuccessful raid in South Africa.
  • The poem is often seen as a guide to stoicism and moral integrity.

Detailed Summary of the Poem

‘If—’ is a didactic poem structured as a set of paternal instructions to the poet’s son (or symbolic reader). It outlines the ideal qualities of a mature and morally upright person, advocating self-discipline, resilience, patience, humility, and inner strength.

Stanza 1:

  • The speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of self-belief and composure. He encourages the reader to keep calm when others panic and blame him unjustly.
  • The lines, “If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, / But make allowance for their doubting too”, suggest balancing confidence with humility and tolerance.
  • The stanza ends with the need for patience, honesty (even when lied about), and restraint (even under provocation).

Stanza 2:

  • Focuses on dreams and thoughts—dreams are necessary, but they shouldn’t become masters.
  • The poet warns against being overly influenced by success or failure, calling both “impostors.”
  • It stresses emotional and mental resilience: if one’s work or values are destroyed, one must rebuild with the same passion, without complaint.

Stanza 3:

  • Deals with risk, loss, and perseverance. The speaker suggests risking everything on a single venture and starting over without despair if it fails.
  • The lines “And lose, and start again at your beginnings / And never breathe a word about your loss” reflect extreme stoicism and self-reliance.
  • The stanza also demands the ability to push oneself beyond limits through sheer will when physical strength fails.

Stanza 4:

  • Stresses how to interact with people of all statuses: walk with kings without losing humility, speak with the crowd without compromising virtue.
  • The final lines are a culmination of all these virtues: “Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, / And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!”
  • The poem equates manhood with moral character and emotional maturity rather than biological or social identity.

Main Themes

  1. Stoicism and Endurance – Staying composed in adversity.
  2. Self-belief and Confidence – Balanced with humility and openness.
  3. Maturity and Moral Integrity – Key traits for manhood.
  4. Resilience and Perseverance – Rising after failure, never giving up.
  5. Balance in Life – Between dreams and reality, triumph and disaster.
  6. Leadership and Humanity – Dealing wisely with both the elite and the ordinary.

Literary Analysis

  • Form and Structure:
    • Four octaves (8-line stanzas), written in iambic pentameter.
    • Rhyme scheme: ABABCDCD, regular and rhythmic—mirroring balance and control.
  • Tone: Encouraging, paternal, authoritative, philosophical.
  • Language:
    • Uses conditional “if” clauses to build a hypothetical, cumulative effect.
    • Plain diction—suitable for universal wisdom.
  • Style: Didactic (teaching) style; imperative mood; rhetorical devices such as repetition, personification (Triumph and Disaster), and juxtaposition (heart vs. sinew).
  • Voice: The speaker’s voice is wise, firm, and benevolent, like that of a mentor or father figure.

Main Message

  • Kipling’s poem is a blueprint for personal growth, resilience, and leadership.
  • It suggests that true greatness lies not in power or wealth, but in personal integrity, composure, and the ability to rise above circumstances.
  • “Manhood” is defined by strength of character, not dominance.

Potential Exam Questions

Character/Voice-Based

  • How does Kipling use the speaker’s voice to convey moral guidance in the poem?
  • What qualities of leadership are presented in ‘If—’?

Theme-Based

  • Explore the ways Kipling presents resilience and strength in the poem.
  • How does the poem encourage balance in dealing with success and failure?

Structure and Language-Based

  • How does Kipling use poetic structure to reinforce his message in ‘If—’?
  • Analyse the use of contrast in the poem and its impact.

Whole-Poem/Analytical

  • In what ways is ‘If—’ a guide for living a successful and moral life?
  • How does Kipling use literary techniques to promote emotional control and discipline?
  • What vision of manhood or maturity does Kipling present in the poem?