Rudyard Kipling's "If"

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that Rudyard Kipling's "If" is an inspirational poem containing mottos and maxims for life, that is also a blueprint for integrity and self-development during adulthood. The paper analyzes the various stanzas of the poem and explains that although reflecting Victorian values, "If" is still relevant today, because the core of morality is not altered by the passing of time.

From the Paper:

"Rudyard Kipling's "If" is an inspirational poem which was first published in his collection "Rewards and Fairies" in 1909. The poem "If" is structured into four stanzas and has a total of thirty-two lines. It is conceived as a fatherly address and contains a set of 'rules' for living. The poem is both inspirational and motivational, and provides the imaginary son the poet addresses with a set of norms - expressed as advice - that one must follow in life. "If" contains mottos and maxims for life, but also a blueprint for integrity and self-development during adulthood. The themes of the poem are both personal and private values. In order to fully understand what Kipling is trying to convey through his poem, "If", one must reflect upon the meaning of the term 'value' as well as its significance within both the private and the public spheres."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Kipling, Rudyard. "If" <http://www.swarthmore.edu/~apreset1/docs/if.html>

More papers on Rudyard Kipling's "If":

• Analytical Essay # 56852 : "If"
• Comparison Essay # 30920 : "If a Woman Was a Potted Plant."
• Comparison Essay # 108856 : "From Father to Son"

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