Analysis of the poem “If”

The poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling is an example of a rhymed verse poem. The poem is
about how it is important to keep a balance in one’s life and stay true to oneself. For
example, in stanza one it says “Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,/Or being hated don't
give way to hating,” This means that even if others lie about you then you should not lie
about others and be spiteful. Also, if others are hateful to you, it is important to not give in
to hate. If one can keep a level head and one’s integrity, then he/she will be successful in
life.

The tone of the poem is motivational. The speaker is trying to impart wisdom to the reader
and motivate the reader to stay true to him/her self and follow a path of perseverance and
integrity. For example, in the last stanza the poet says, “Yours is the Earth and everything
that's in it,/And- -which is more- -you'll be a Man, my son!” The speaker is trying to say
that by following these “ifs” a person will achieve great things in life.

The mood of the poem is inspirational. The poem inspires the reader to stay strong and
keep going even in difficult situations. For example, in line 15 the poet writes “Or watch
the things you gave your life to, broken, / And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;”
This means that even if things in your life fall apart or do not work out, it is very important
to rebuild and keep going.