If: Central Idea and Theme by Rudyard Kipling (2023 Update)

The poem If can be viewed as a set of guidelines on how to live and act with integrity and the correct values such that one becomes the ideal human. Each of the four stanzas deals with different life situations and the best way to act during them—the poem If does not have a conspicuous physical setting. However, after reading the poem, one can visualize a scene in which a father speaks to his son and gives him the most valuable life lesson on becoming a complete man. The token of personal philosophy and wisdom the father imparts to his son has universal validity.

If Form and Structure

The structure of the poem ‘If’ is taut, neat, and symmetrical. It has been divided into four identical stanzas of eight lines each. Hence, the poem has thirty-two lines in total.

The stanzas’ meter is iambic pentameter, which means each line can be divided into five feet with one unstressed and stressed syllable each in that order. This gives the poem a sense of cohesion and demand, which is very much in keeping with the poem’s central idea, which advocates an ordered and controlled lifestyle. Iambic Pentameter invests an ambiance of control and order in any verse.

Rhyme Scheme: The 1st stanza of the poem follows the rhyming pattern of AAAABCBC, whereas the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th stanzas follow the rhyming pattern of ABABCDCD.

If Central Idea: A Poem by Rudyard Kipling

Life only has meaning when it has been lived meaningfully. Our identity as human beings can only be ratified in the real sense of the term if we live virtuously by following a set of high moral codes and conduct. Rudyard Kipling’s If is a blueprint for all those qualities and virtues which we must teach within us to be able to call ourselves complete human beings and also to attain true success in life. In the course of the thirty-two lines of the poem, Kipling advocates the virtues of composure, patience, integrity, modesty, control, perseverance, tolerance, determination, and confidence – for a few to cite. This poem is like a rule book to perfect the art of living and being human.

If Theme: A Poem by Rudyard Kipling

The overarching theme of the poem ‘If’ is successful, virtuous living based on values about integrity, rightful behavior, and self-development. The poem speaks to every reader about what it means to become a complete man and how he operates through the thick and thins of life. The various values and codes of conduct imparted through the poem form the different sub-themes of the poem, which are as follows:

Rightful Behavior: Most of what this poem advocates deals with rightful behavior, such as keeping a calm head and maintaining composure during times of crisis instead of indulging in blame games. The poet also adds that we must not deal with lies or brew hatred in our hearts, even if those around us are doing the same. Upon achieving success or failure, the poet advocates the rightful stance of not letting any of these promotions or setbacks influence us. Instead, we must understand the temporary nature of the ups and downs in life and go about our business in a steadfast, unaffected fashion.

Modesty: Modesty is one theme that shines out in the poem. The poet asks us never to get too self-righteous even if we have the best set of virtues and abide by strict moral codes: And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise. Money often comes in the suit with arrogance. The poet urges his readers to practice modesty upon succeeding in life so that he can fit in seamlessly with the kings and the common masses.

Balance: Maintaining balance and control in all aspects of life is an essential theme that the poem forwards. The poet asks us to give our maximum effort to our goals in life but at the same time asks us not to make our ambition and dreams our be-all and end-all. He asks us to have faith in our belief system but not so much that we become immune to the valuable opinions of others.

Patience: There is also the theme of tolerance in the poem. The poet asks us to patiently wait for our efforts to reach fruition because all good things take time to materialize.

Self-belief: Belief in the self is another sub-theme in the poem. The poet asks us not to lose faith in our beliefs and convictions even if those around us begin to lose hope in us.

Risk-Taking: The poem often showcases life as a gamble in which all our achievements might get washed away. The poet wants us to be willing to take that risk in life to bring us closer to our final goals in life.

Persistence: The ‘never-give-up outlook towards life is one major theme of the poem. The poet asks us to keep striving towards our goals against all odds, even if it involves putting all of our life’s achievements at stake. Shall we lose all we have while trying to get ahead in life? We must not back down but muster enough willpower and determination to start again from scratch.

Time Management: The unforgiving nature of Time comes out in the poem’s last stanza. The poet stresses that Time, when lost, never comes back, so one must give every second of our waking minutes all we have to make the most of it.

This post was edited and updated on 8th April 2023 by Anjali Roongta using Grammarly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The meaning behind the poem If by Kipling is that life only has meaning when it is lived meaningfully. In his poem, he outlines virtues like patience, persistence, and so on, which make a person's life meaningful.

The main message of the poem If by Kipling is that a person's life only has meaning if they live it with intention, virtuously, and meaningfully.

The overarching theme of the poem 'If' is successful, virtuous living based on values about integrity and self-development. The poem speaks to every reader about what it means to become a complete man and how he operates through the thick and thins of life. The various values and codes of conduct imparted through the poem form the different sub-themes of the poem, such as rightful behaviour, modesty, balance, time management, persistentence, risk-taking, self-belief, balance, and so on.
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