IF BY RUDYARD KIPLING
Palamuru University Sem 2 Unit 1.
GLOSSARY
keep one's head: to remain calm, especially under pressure
make allowance: to take into consideration when making calculations or plans.
Triumph and Disaster. success and defeat (personified)
imposter: a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others.
knave: a dishonest or unscrupulous person
stoop: to bend one's head or body forwards and downwards
pitch-and-toss: a gambling game in which the player who manages to throw a coin closest to a mark gets to toss all the coins, winning those that land with the head up.
sinew: a piece of tough tissue connecting muscle and bone
common touch: the ability to empathize with common people and not feel superior to them
foe: enemy
the unforgiving minute:-referring to how time does not wait for anyone.
COMPREHENSION
Answer the following questions in 80-100 words.
1. The title of the poem is short and to the point. How does this apply to the overall theme of the poem?
Or
According to Kipling, what are some of the challenges that a person will have to face in life? (Dec 23/Jan 2024)
Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was an English poet and novelist who is remembered for his children's books, including the ever popular "The Jungle Book" and "Kim", and for his many stories and poems written about the British in India during the Raj. He was a strong advocate of the British Empire. Kipling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907, and was offered a knighthood several times, though he declined the honour.
Summary of the poem.
About the Poet: Rudyard Kipling was born on December 30, 1865, in Bombay, India, and died on January 18, 1936, in London. He was an English short-story writer and poet who advocated British imperialism. He is well-known for his works “The Jungle Book” (1894), a children’s classic, and “Kim” (1901), a novel that tells the story of Kimball O’Hara and his adventures in the Himalayas. His earliest short stories are set in British India. Throughout his life, Kipling declined numerous honors, such as a knighthood and the poet laureateship. He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907.
About the Poem: The 32-line poem consists of four stanzas, each containing eight lines (an octave). The rhyme scheme is simple and repeats across the poem’s four octaves: ABABCDCD. The poem is about the instructions for living in the world given by a father to his son. The poem has been inspirational to many young British boys. It can be assumed that the listener may be the speaker’s son. The poet advises his son to remain cool and calm when others lose their composure and blame him for their failures or hold him responsible. The poet talks about self-belief and self-trust, which are crucial when all men doubt one’s capabilities. He suggests that his son should also consider their doubts thoughtfully. The poet highlights the quality of patience without losing enthusiasm. The poet emphasizes honesty and urges him not to lie, even though others lie about him. He should not give way to hating and should avoid boasting about virtues and knowledge.
In the second stanza, the poet suggests that he should dream big but not allow dreams to rule over him. Daydreaming and thinking too much never lead to success. The poet personifies Triumph and Disaster (success and defeat) and urges him to treat these two impostors the same. He should be ready to hear his words twisted by knaves (dishonest people) for their personal benefit. The speaker talks about a never-give-up attitude. He instills positivity in his son, saying that though he may fail in his endeavors, he must be prepared to start again.
In the third stanza, the poet continues the same thought as
the previous lines. The speaker says to his son that he must be prepared to
take risks in life. One should not quit even though they face hardships in
life. One should not worry even if they lose everything. They may start a new
life from scratch. The speaker motivates his child by saying to keep trying
even when he is tired. One should have a strong ‘Will’, which motivates them to
“Hold on!”
Short Answer Questions for Internal exam
1. Who is the author of ‘Jungle Book and Kim?
Ans:- Rudyard Kipling
2.Kipling was awarded the Nobel Prize in —------in 1907.
Ans:- Literature
3.What final reward does the poet say you will achieve if you can meet all the challenges described?
Ans:- You’ll be a Man.
4.’keep one's head’ means —-------
Ans:- to remain calm
5.who is the writer of the poem ' IF'
Ans:- Rudyard Kipling
6.What is the poem 'IF' about?
Ans:- The poem is an advice on how to live a virtuous life.
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