IF - RUDYARD KIPLING Flashcards
What is the literal meaning?
“‘If you can keep your head when all about you / Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,’”
The speaker describes the condition of staying calm when other people aren’t.
What is implied about the speaker’s attitude to possibility or determination?
‘If you can keep your head when all about you / Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,’
The speaker uses a direct tone to convey a strong sense of determination toward staying calm when others aren’t.
How does the poet create the speaker’s view that determination is a necessary choice that helps us stay calm when others arent?
‘If you can keep your head when all about you / Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,’
(techniques and key words)
The connection and increased pace between the lines highlights how intensely driven the speaker is to remain peaceful and smooth when others are not.
Further hinting that determination is needed as it is difficult to remain calm when others around you are not.
Why does the poet create a sense that when people are manic in life, it must be faced with peace and calmness?
‘If you can keep your head when all about you / Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,’
The writer does this to show that determination is something that requires effort.
What does this compare or contrast to?
‘If you can keep your head when all about you / Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,’
In ‘IF’ the speaker stresses the importance of staying calm when others aren’t by using the phrase ‘If you can,’ to suggest that possibilities need encouragement because they are a difficult. However in ‘Blessing,’ possibilities are important because without them people must accept the worst.
