IGCSE English Lit If—’ by Rudyard Kipling Complete Poetry Analysis and Revision Guide

What’s Included

Detailed Summary – A clear explanation of the poem’s didactic tone and moral purpose, showing how Kipling presents a father’s advice to his son on how to live with integrity, resilience, and humility.

Contextual Analysis – Insight into Kipling’s imperial background and the Victorian ideals of stoicism, self-discipline, and moral strength that shaped his vision of maturity and manhood.

Themes & Key Ideas – Focus on resilience, endurance, emotional control, personal integrity, and the journey toward maturity and manhood.

Language & Structure – Analysis of anaphora (“If you can…”), personification (“Triumph and Disaster”), metaphor (“worn-out tools”), and antithesis to reveal how Kipling structures moral advice through poetic balance and contrast.

Form & Rhythm – Discussion of iambic pentameter and the use of feminine endings, exploring how the steady rhythm reinforces calm control and composure, while subtle variations suggest human struggle and perseverance.

Comparative Links – Connections with Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night (Dylan Thomas) and Prayer Before Birth (Louis MacNeice), exploring endurance, morality, and responses to life’s challenges.

Key Literary Features – Examination of polyptoton, imperative tone, and universal second-person address, showing how Kipling’s language empowers readers to adopt his code of self-mastery.

Exam-Style Questions – Carefully designed practice prompts to strengthen students’ ability to analyse structure, tone, and moral message.

Why Use This Resource

Exam-Focused – Aligned with Edexcel IGCSE & AQA GCSE Poetry Anthology objectives, developing key AO2 and AO3 analytical skills.

Engaging & Accessible – Student-friendly explanations with close analysis that builds confidence in tackling moral and philosophical poetry.

Flexible Use – Ideal for teaching, independent revision, or comparative essay practice.