Explication of Rudyard Kipling's "If"
John Carteret
AP English 12 Period 3
October 20, 2013
"If" Explication What makes a man? In a world controlled by power and greed, virtue and honesty are lost in the midst. Rudyard Kipling’s “If” challenges one to be all the things that make a man. “If” employs the literary techniques of repetition, diction, rhyme and rhythm to appeal to the common man and reinforce the theme of human trial, and the challenge faced by all to be virtuous. The theme is further expressed in the subtle tones of expectation and hopefulness, which are solidified in the closing lines of "If", as well as the parallelisms found in Kipling's word choice and placement. Throughout the poem, repetition come through in the use of the word "if." This small word, used excessively at the start of lines within the poem, creates the feeling of a list. The poem begins with "If" and the two letters are used a total of twelve more times, showing the importance of man's tentative existence, and how difficult the task is. The list then expands through the repetitive use of the words "and" as well as "or." These, being the second most used sentence starters, create a feeling of continuation in the reader. All but four lines in this 32 line poem begin with these words. All words are also used in correspondence with each other, the sporadic use of each bears a resemblance to the randomness of human life. The subtle undertones posed by such parallelisms show Rudyard Kipling's advanced poetic style. By showing simplicity, while holding a deeper meaning, the necessary tasks that must be undertaken to become a man are listed off, enforcing the tone of expectation and the theme of trial. This repetition also aids in the poem's rhythmic flow, which adds to the appeal it might have to a common man. Kipling creates a fun and easy feeling, while handling a somewhat heavy topic. The "ABAB" rhyme scheme, as seen in lines four through eight (waiting... hating, lies... wise) , gives the poem a "sing-songy"
AP English 12 Period 3
October 20, 2013
"If" Explication What makes a man? In a world controlled by power and greed, virtue and honesty are lost in the midst. Rudyard Kipling’s “If” challenges one to be all the things that make a man. “If” employs the literary techniques of repetition, diction, rhyme and rhythm to appeal to the common man and reinforce the theme of human trial, and the challenge faced by all to be virtuous. The theme is further expressed in the subtle tones of expectation and hopefulness, which are solidified in the closing lines of "If", as well as the parallelisms found in Kipling's word choice and placement. Throughout the poem, repetition come through in the use of the word "if." This small word, used excessively at the start of lines within the poem, creates the feeling of a list. The poem begins with "If" and the two letters are used a total of twelve more times, showing the importance of man's tentative existence, and how difficult the task is. The list then expands through the repetitive use of the words "and" as well as "or." These, being the second most used sentence starters, create a feeling of continuation in the reader. All but four lines in this 32 line poem begin with these words. All words are also used in correspondence with each other, the sporadic use of each bears a resemblance to the randomness of human life. The subtle undertones posed by such parallelisms show Rudyard Kipling's advanced poetic style. By showing simplicity, while holding a deeper meaning, the necessary tasks that must be undertaken to become a man are listed off, enforcing the tone of expectation and the theme of trial. This repetition also aids in the poem's rhythmic flow, which adds to the appeal it might have to a common man. Kipling creates a fun and easy feeling, while handling a somewhat heavy topic. The "ABAB" rhyme scheme, as seen in lines four through eight (waiting... hating, lies... wise) , gives the poem a "sing-songy"