IF

Question 1

summary of if

Answer 1

• the narrator gives the reader multiple senarios both pisitive and negative about how someone should be through out their life to become a man
• perseverance/success/handle defeat/modest

Question 2

structure and form

Answer 2

• iambic pentameter - upbeat and positive tone - successful life - same structure until the exclamation at the end - life is an ongoing relentless struggle but when you make it to death and look back on life - if you have followed all of these you will be overjoyed and pleased.

Question 3

Why are “Triumph” and “Disaster” called impostors and captitalised

Answer 3

personification
- could be poeple that come into your life
- might not be able to preare for them
- both events dont last long
- dont become overwhemed by triumph or become arrogent or boastful
- dont get depressed if you fail move on it doesnt last for long and you can get better

Question 4

What does the phrase “unforgiving minute” mean?

Answer 4

metaphor for life
- if we don’t understand the importance of life then we are wasting our time on earth and therefore we should make the most of everything bc we know one day we will die

Question 5

meaning of the poem

Answer 5

the key to a successful life isnt winning but its how you fight the war and dont quit and stay stong until the end

Question 6

repetition of the word if in title and most lines

Answer 6

anaphora

• reinforces the conditional nature of the fathers advice - you can only be a man if you follow these steps

Question 7

how should you interoperate if

Answer 7

“If” serves as a timeless piece of advice, reflecting Rudyard Kipling’s own moral compass and his vision of an ideal man.

Question 8

ryhme scheme

Answer 8

ABAB - balanced
this reflects narrators advice of a balanced life

Question 9

theme

Answer 9

life

Question 10

enjambment

Answer 10

heavily employed
the amount of things need to be a ‘man’ is endless