IF Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is the main theme of “If”?
The main themes are resilience, self-control, and maturity. It offers advice on how to live a virtuous and balanced life.
Provide a key quote from “If.”
“If you can keep your head when all about you / Are losing theirs and blaming it on you…”
What is the structure and form of “If”?
The poem follows a regular rhymed structure of four-line stanzas (quatrains), with an ABAB rhyme scheme, enhancing its didactic and steady rhythm.
What is the context of “If”?
Written in 1909, the poem reflects Kipling’s belief in the values of stoicism and self-reliance, influenced by his experiences in British imperialism.
What are the key themes of “If”?
The themes are perseverance, self-discipline, and moral strength. It encourages the reader to act with integrity no matter the challenges
What literary devices are used in “If”?
The poem uses conditionals (“If you can…”), imperatives (“If you can keep…”), and repetition for emphasis and to build a rhythmic flow.
What is the analysis of “if”?
The poem uses repetition of “If” to emphasize that the qualities described are a series of choices, each contributing to a successful and virtuous life. The imperative tone (“If you can”) makes the poem feel like a set of orders or commands, asserting that these values are within reach if one possesses the will to follow them. The regular structure mirrors the discipline and consistency needed to embody these ideals
If vs. Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night
❓ How do both poems explore resilience?
If: Encourages calm perseverance and patience
Do Not Go Gentle: Urges fierce resistance against death
How do the tones of do not go gentle into the good night and if differ
If: Didactic, wise, steady
Do Not Go Gentle: Desperate, urgent, passionate
How does structure of if and the structure of do not go gentle into the good night contribute contribute to their meanings
If: Controlled, methodical stanzas reflect discipline
Do Not Go Gentle: Villanelle form, with repeating lines, mimicking struggle
How do the poems piano and if explore childhood and maturity?
If: Becoming a strong adult through perseverance
Piano: Longing for the innocence of childhood
How do the tones in if and piano differ
If:Motivational, instructive
Piano: Nostalgic, melancholic
How do if and piano use structure
If: Formal, structured rhyme scheme to emphasize control
Piano: Flowing, lyrical rhythm to reflect emotion
. If vs. Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night
Similarities:
Themes of resilience:
If: Patience and endurance lead to success.
Do Not Go Gentle: Fighting against death with passion.
Emphasize strength in adversity:
If: Facing hardship calmly and wisely.
Do Not Go Gentle: Facing death angrily and defiantly.
Differences:
If: Encourages calm, rational perseverance.
Do Not Go Gentle: Encourages rage and resistance.
If: Controlled, steady rhythm reflects discipline.
Do Not Go Gentle: Villanelle form, repeating lines, mimics struggle.
If vs piano
Similarities:
Both discuss maturity and personal growth:
If: Teaches resilience and responsibility.
Piano: Reflects on childhood and innocence.
🚫 Differences:
If: Focuses on rational self-discipline.
Piano: Focuses on emotional nostalgia.
If: Didactic tone (teaching a lesson).
Piano: Melancholic tone (longing for the past).
If vs poem at thirty nine
Similarities:
Both discuss father-child relationships:
If: A father-like speaker guiding his son.
Poem at Thirty-Nine: A daughter reflecting on her father’s influence.
Both focus on learning values and maturity.
Differences:
If: Future-focused → teaching lessons for success.
Poem at Thirty-Nine: Past-focused → nostalgic reflection on a lost father.
If: Formal, structured rhyme scheme → control and discipline.
Poem at Thirty-Nine: Free verse → conveys personal emotions
