If By Rudyard Kipling

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‘If is a celebrated piece of poetry which has a lesson of value for almost every reader. Analysis of If by Rudyard Kipling is something that can be perceived as a set of virtues laid down by the poet which are conducive for the development of a good human being. If summary is something very person specific as different readers gather different things from this poem. This analysis of If by Kipling is a decoded version of what the poet wants to convey through his didactic words. In the first stanza he shows his readers the ideal way to act during times of acute crisis. The poet asks his readers to make themselves strong enough such that they can take responsibility for their actions and choices bravely and not indulge in blame-games. A person should muster enough confidence to believe in himself and his potential when everyone else gives up on him; but at the same time the poet also advises his readers to make enough room in their heads for opposing ideas from others. This poem teaches a person the importance of waiting and advices him to not let lies and hatred mire his character even if the ones around him seem to be infested with them. Kipling knew that instilling these virtues might make his readers self-righteous so he warns them against the same towards the end of the stanza. When we move to the second stanza, If poem analysis engulfs within its scope the correct way to pursue one’s goals in life. Kipling asks his readers to dream and think profusely but also advises them to prevent the same dreams and thoughts from controlling their every waking moment and upon fulfillment on those very dreams he asks his readers to master modesty such that they do not turn into self proclaimed Samaritans. He says to his readers that they must not let defeat affect them and advises them to treat every defeat which they might face as a chance which life them gave them to learn

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