If

Question 1

‘Keep your head’

Answer 1

Idiomatic language- creates an informal tone as he’s addressing his son, feels more personal

Question 2

How is the poem written?

Answer 2

Written in octaves (regular structure)
Regular metre: iambic pentameter
ABAB regular rhyme scheme
This relates to the speakers message that a man should be balanced and measured in his character and approach to life

Question 3

‘Trust’ yourself when all men ‘doubt’ you

Answer 3

Use of contrasts: abstract nouns- used to be balanced in approach in life

Question 4

And treats those two ‘imposters’ just the same

Answer 4

Personification as imposters - learn from mistakes and turn them into triumphs, good things can come from disaster if you treat it as a learning experience- mental resilience

Question 5

Lines 15+16

Answer 5

Metaphor of repairing your broken life goals with tools + carrying on- masculine image- life you have built can be destroyed by others
You need to be resilient to rebuild it

Question 6

Lines 29+30

Answer 6

Metaphor - life as a distance run, make the most of every minute of your life

Question 7

Lines 6+7

Answer 7

Polyptoton