Question

3. How does the repetition of "if" most

contribute to the poem's overall meaning?

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1939) was an English short story writer, poet, and

novelist, best known for The Jungle Book. Kipling wrote in Victorian

England, and the following poem is considered representative

of the ideal qualities of a proper Englishman during that time.

As you read, take notes on the advice the speaker offers.

O A It highlights how fearful the speaker is

about his son's future.

B It highlights how unlikely it is that the

speaker's son will become a proper

adult.

c It emphasizes how much the speaker's

son must do in order to become a man.

OD It suggests that the speaker's advice is

not necessary for his sont

to become a

man.

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

If you can wait and not be tired by

waiting,

"Untitled" by Szilvia Basso is licensed under

CCO

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:

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

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Answer 1

Based on the provided options, the repetition of "if" in the poem suggests that the speaker's advice is not necessary for his son to become a man. This aligns with option D. The poem presents a series of hypothetical situations using "if," outlining various challenges and qualities the son should possess. By using "if" repeatedly, the poem sets up conditional statements that imply the speaker's acknowledgment of the difficulties and uncertainties his son may encounter. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure, integrity, and self-belief in the face of adversity. The repetition of "if" implies that these qualities are not yet fully present in the son but should be strived for in order to become a proper adult.