If Flashcards
‘If you can keep your head’
The use of syncedoche highlight that people need to stay calm and composed. However, this idiom could also adds a tone of immediacy and intimacy.
‘If you’
Forms a repeated refrain to show an advisory tone
‘You and You’
Rhyming couplet shows how people should believe in themselves and have confidence.
‘Lied…lies’
Polyptoton shows how people should avoid arrogance and stay patient. Kipling does this to implore his son not to do this.
‘If you can dream-‘
The dash suggests that a balance its important however you should not let it ‘master you’.
‘Triumph and Disaster’
The writer personifies these two contrasting views as ‘imposters’ showing how you should always be rational and balanced.
‘Twisted by knaves’
This metaphor could show that dishonest men could manipulate him and warns his son of possible issues he could face.
‘Worn-out tools’
He uses this as a metaphor of success, to show how you should always be determined and willing to succeed again.
‘one heap of winnings’
imagery and allusion to gambling shows how you should sometimes ‘risk it’ in life
‘If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew’
Syndetic listing shows the importance of being persistent and resilient even in the face of problems.
‘hold on… Hold on!’
This repetition and exclamatory sentence shows how people should always be strong and resilient when faced with difficult challenges.
‘Keep your virtue’
Shows how you should converse with other individuals without being corrupted by their beliefs
‘Walk with kings’
Alliteration shows how you should take pride of your status but not forget your roots and where you came from.
‘Yours is the earth’
this metaphor shows how you will achieve a lot if you behave in the way Kipling has instructed
‘Man’
This capitalisation shows that this is a significant aspiration to his son. But it could also suggest that not every man will achieve this level of masculinity.
‘my son!’
Exclamatory closing highlights how this is mainly aimed to his son but it could also suggest his excitement to let his son excel in life.
Regular rhyme scheme
Shows that the father is offering good advice.
Poem is written in iambic pentameter because
Gives momentum but also reflects the significance of the writer’s message. This type of meter is also known as ‘heroic verse’ which links to masculinity.
