Page 105 - DENG104_ELECTIVE_ENGLISH_I

Elective English–I

Notes — pride and arrogance (“keep virtue and common touch”)

— dependency (“If all men count with you, but none too much”)
— wasting time (“If you can fill the unforgiving minute”)
If he is able to overcome all the above obstacles, the poet is sure, he will be the master of this
Earth and achieve everything in life. Moreover, he will, then, be able to earn the proud
privilege of being called “MAN”.

9.3 Analysis

Rudyard Kipling created a solution to life’s problems in his clever piece ‘IF’. Written to his son
with tender care, he offers a variety of commonsensical advice that is practical which stands
the test of time.
These wise words can be applied even now, almost a hundred years after they were penned,
and by a greater audience than the one originally intended. The skillful manner in which the
poem is written allows any reader to fall under the paternal spell created by Kipling.
His words feel as if one were embraced by understanding and concern. He lulls by simple
repetition “If” and ties it up in 8 line stanzas; it makes for an easy-to-read, thought provoking
piece. Because of Kipling’s style, many who typically dislike poetry find they are intrigued
and pleasantly surprised after they read it.
The insight offered by the poet can be summarized in brief as: remain humble, avoid extremes,
and enjoy the joys of life at every opportunity. Rise above the fray and find goodness in even
the darkest circumstance! He wants to inspire and enlighten, he wants for the reader to see the
possibilities, and he asks the reader to ponder the best of the best within that soul. After a
hundred reads, new meanings and philosophies could be borne from this sage list of attributes given.
He sets the bar high when he defines what it means to him to be a man’, or what could be
interpreted to an adult versus a child. It is about maturation and throwing aside the bad habits
children often possess. The poet gives us a measure of how to see the difference between the
selfishness of youth and the aspirations of adulthood.

This poem is a beautiful, personal goal for thoughtful readers and those who wish to be better
people. An inspirational pat on the back, it acts as a light in a window on a dark night.
Kipling, better known for his fictional works rather than his poetic endeavours, has written
one the best poems ever penned, showing to all who have read it that his heart was, indeed,
that of a poet.
I have to start off by saying that this is my favourite poem of all time! I think if we could strive
to do even half the things he mentions in the poem, we would be far better people. There are
so many lessons to be learned from the poem. Let’s analyse them in the hopes that we can
come close to meeting their expectations.
The first section of the poem, in my opinion, is about being true to one’s self. There are always
going to be people who think differently than you, or misjudge you for one reason or another.
I think the poem is saying that we need to rise above this, and do what we know is right and
just. Don’t let others provoke you into actions you know are wrong. Know the value of your
self worth, but don’t become conceited.
The second section is about overcoming obstacles that get in your path, whether by others, or
of your own making. Follow your dreams, but be realistic in the approach. I believe this
section is teaching perseverance, to keep going, even when things get rough.
I believe that the most important lesson in the third section is never to give up! It is truly hard
to get back up after life has beaten you into the ground. It can be done though, if we always

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