If

Question 1

Thoughts and feelings

Answer 1

Thoughts and Feelings: The poet outlines the qualities needed to achieve maturity, leadership, and success, emphasizing resilience, patience, humility, and determination. It is a fatherly guide to navigating life’s challenges while staying true to one’s principles.

Question 2

Purpose

Answer 2

Purpose: To inspire the reader to embody virtues that lead to personal fulfillment and moral strength.

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Four stanzas of eight lines each with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme.

Logical progression from general advice to the ultimate reward: “You’ll be a Man, my son!”

Question 4

Language

Answer 4

Repetition of “If” creates a conditional structure, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of following the advice.

Contrasts like “dream—and not make dreams your master” stress balance in life.

Universal, accessible language makes the poem relatable to all.

Question 5

Tone and mood

Answer 5

Didactic and motivational, with a steady rhythm that reinforces confidence and hope.