If- Flashcards
Rudyard Kipling
What is the central theme of the poem ‘If-‘ by Rudyard Kipling?
The central theme is the qualities of manhood and the virtues required to face life’s challenges.
Which quote in the poem ‘If-‘ advises to maintain composure in the face of adversity?
“If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaiming it on you”
Fill in the blank: The poem ‘If-‘ is structured as a series of ______ that describe the ideal man.
conditional statements
What does the phrase ‘If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you’ suggest?
It suggests the importance of self-confidence and conviction in one’s abilities.
In the poem, what does Kipling imply about the role of patience through the quote, “If you can wait and not be tired by waiting”?
He implies that patience is essential for success and resilience.
Which quote in the poem emphasizes the importance of humility no matter your status?
‘Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,’
What does the line ‘If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster’ mean?
It means one should treat success and failure the same.
What virtue is highlighted by the phrase ‘If you can lose and start again at your beginnings’?
The virtue of resilience and the ability to recover from setbacks.
What does Kipling highlight about the importance of resillience with the quote, ‘If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distance run’
That even in trying times, staying strong and pushing forward will allow you to suceed
What does the line ‘Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it’ signify?
It signifies that achieving these virtues leads to ultimate success and fulfillment.
What does Kipling mean by ‘If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue’?
It means being able to engage with others while maintaining one’s moral integrity.
What does the phrase ‘the heart and nerve and sinew’ refer to?
It refers to the mental and physical strength required to achieve one’s goals.
What is the tone of the poem ‘If-‘?
The tone is didactic and encouraging.
What does Kipling suggest about dreams and thoughts in the line ‘If you can dream—and not make dreams your master’?
He suggests that while dreaming is important, one should not let dreams control one’s actions.
What is the overall message of the poem ‘If-‘?
The overall message is to embody resilience, integrity, and strength in character.
Which literary device is prominently used in ‘If-‘?
Conditional statements and imperative mood.
What does the line ‘If you can hold on when there is nothing in you’ imply?
It implies the importance of perseverance even in the most challenging times.
What does: ‘If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools’ suggest about the role of patience and resillience in being a man?
That learning to deal with people twisting your words and continuing to spread your truth is what makes you a man.
What is the significance of the poem being addressed to a son?
It emphasizes the father’s hope to impart wisdom and values to the next generation.
