IF: By Rudyard Kipling
If by Rudyard Kipling was written in 1895. The poem is considered to be in the format of an A L'Arora, considering that the poem consists of 4 stanzas and 32 lines. The poem presents a second person perspective from the father's point of view directed towards his son. The father's conversation within the poem consisted of advising his son of potential future scenarios or attitudes he may encounter as he increases in age. The poem presents positive and negative outcomes of each scenario as he emphasizes the good consequences followed by good decisions; and the bad decisions that lead to bad consequences. Though this poem is directed towards his son, the poem provides great general advice for growing youth. This advice has been carried on for many generations as its messages are still valid and applicable to current times. Rudyard Kipling is a very well known poet and author; he is best known for writing The Jungle Book in 1894. Rudyard has received awards such as the Nobel prize in literature, An Audie for Audio and Drama, and an Audie for Excellence in Production. The first stanza of If is written in the rhyme structure of AAAABCBC. The last four stanzas are written in the rhyme structure of ABABCDCD. The rhythm structure, or rather the poem's meter, is written in the format of an Iambic Pentameter, meaning that each line consists of five sets with two beats. To break down each of the literary principles implemented in this poem, my analysis will be broken down and explained by each stanza. The first stanza starts with many if statements that entitle listing creating an Anaphora that highly emphasizes the author's points. The author uses figurative speech to present his points. For example, in line one, which states, "If you can keep your head when all about you", he is using a synecdoche or a figure of speech to represent composure rather than meaning his actual physical head. Towards the end of the stanza, the author shows a series of don'ts. These don'ts are set towards showing an empathetic point of view. This empathy is directed toward portraying affection while also giving a Didactic or lesson to prove value to his virtues. In the second stanza, the beginning shows dashes in the first two lines with the words dream and think. These dashes were introduced to show emphasis between the differentiation in contrast to the two statements. The statements contrast between a positive result and a negative result. Ultimately showing an Assertive characteristic, meaning that attributes could be over or underdone in life. In the third line of the second stanza, it states, "If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster" The author gives personification for both triumph and disaster in the fourth line of the second stanza it also states, "And treat those two impostors just the same;" the statement impostor shows that these conditions are temporary and short-lived. This shows his son that life will have triumphs and disasters, but they are but a short time. This was the author's attempt to show that negative life circumstances are only circumstantial and provide hope to his son rather than fear. In the sixth line of the second stanza, it states, "Twisted by Knaves' 'this was a metaphorical phrase meaning to tolerate the destruction that others may have presented towards your works and rebuild afterwards rather than to sorrow and self pity. Then in the seventh line, it states, "Or watch the things that you gave your life to…" This line presents a hyperbole as the author exaggerated the meaning of giving your life. The real meaning behind the hyperbole is that he must keep a careful eye on his work and be confident in the work he has completed and spent time working on. The last line of the second stanza states, "build 'em up with worn-out tools" this is the second metaphor with the real meaning being behind his son's life's potential. If his son maintains endurance he has the potential to achieve what he desires in li
