IF (Poem) - Rudyard Kipling 




Word Meaning 

Foes - Enemies 


Activity II (Read and  reflect)

Qu)-What is the central theme of the poem?

A)-This Poem suggests a number of ideas about conditional completion. Through these ideas, the poet describes the essential characteristics of a perfect man. 

Qu)-What, according to the poem, are the two impostors in life?

A)-Triumph and Disaster 

Qu)-What, according to the poet, should be one’s attitude to unexpected loss?

A)-When an unexpected loss occurs, one should not utter a word about the loss. No one should complain about the loss. Instead, one must force one's heart and nerves to try again for success,

Qu)-Identify the poetic forms, figurative language and poetic structure

A)- Personification ,Metaphor, Symbols, Repetition 


Today's Assignment 

Prepare an appreciation of the poem IF written by Rudyard Kipling.
(consider theme, language, style ,figures, symbols, relevance etc)

Answer Points 

The following tips will help you prepare an appreciation of the poem

Introduction

About the poet  & Theme

Brief summary 

Meaning  ,Implied meaning (if any)  & Structure

Poetic devices

Sound effects (rhyme, alliteration, assonance etc.) 
Images  
symbols (if any) 
language mood figures of speech

Conclusion

Message/intention of the poet personal comments/opinions

Answer 

Kipling's poem "If" suggests a number of ideas about conditional completion. Through these ideas, the poet describes the essential characteristics of a perfect man.

Content  Brief summary Click Here

He should take risks in his life to achieve greater goals. 

If he loses everything he should stay calm and rebuild it from the beginning 

He should develop mental strength and will power to hold on in the most difficult situation

individuality and humility 

We should keep our when we deal with various types of people 

Time is precious

If it is an admonition advising the son of a poet to lead an exemplary life. Many traits of a good leader are mentioned in the poem. The poet reminds his son that he will be a man if he can hold on to his values and not influence others. The famous Indian writer Khushwant Singh claims that Kipling's 'If-' is the essence of the message of the Gita in English.