What is the poem If by Rudyard Kipling about?

Answer 1

The power of self-confidence within the first four lines of the poem takes on an air equivalent to that of Socrates it his detachment from criticism:

If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you

But make allowance for their doubting too,

Here is the real measure of individuality and self-worth the power to reject bitterness in the face of other people's wrath. The overwhelming reference to "you" or "your" which is used seven times within these four lines really has the affect of breaking out of the poem and speaking to the reader directly. There is a Jesus-like forgiveness within the last line of forgiving your foes, it is a higher understanding of how the world works, it grasps at the truth of human nature and makes "allowance" at the folly of others, not for their sake, but for your own.

Patience as a virtue and the correct way to speak and feel is of interest in the next four lines:

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

Here patience is both taken as patience with others and with the world at large. True understanding is patience, and with dealing with others in the correct manner. The negativity of "hate" and "lying" are rejected absolutely by those who would seek to view the ways of the world from an open philosophic way of thinking. At the close of the poem the narrator warns though against the error of arrogance with such self-confidence and wisdom.

It is hard to ignore the conservative message that is evident within the whole of the next stanza:

If you can dream-and not make dreams your master,

If you can think-and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted

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Answer 2

The poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling is about imparting wisdom and advice to his son on how to navigate the challenges and obstacles of life. It explores themes of perseverance, self-discipline, integrity, and humility, offering guidance on how to maintain strength and virtue in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the poem emphasizes the qualities needed to become a well-rounded and resolute individual.

Answer 3

the meaning behind this work is to show how this person went up against all odds, and tried as hard as it could as to not fail.

The poem is saying that when you have all the attributes and abilities described you are ready to be considered a true man in the heroic Victorian fashion - a true Brit.

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I heard that Kipling wrote the poem with Dr. Leander Starr Jameson in mind, who led 500 of his countrymen in a failed raid against the Boers in Southern Africa. So The poem is really about war.

it means what if and if you can

Answer 4

The poem is named "If-" because every sentence of this poem begins with the word "if" . This poem stresses on personal development and how we can improve ourselves .

Answer 5

It is about what it means to become a well-balanced person and a real man.