Analyze how the structure of 'If' by Rudyard Kipling reinforces its thematic message about becoming a mature adult. Provide specific examples from the poem. Write your answer in 1-2 sentences. (2 points)

Answer 1

The structure of Rudyard Kipling's poem "If" reinforces its thematic message of maturity through its consistent use of conditional clauses, with each stanza presenting a series of "if" statements followed by outcomes that depict virtues essential for adulthood, such as resilience, humility, and integrity. For instance, the progression from enduring loss and betrayal to maintaining composure and pursuing dreams illustrates the gradual evolution into a fully formed, mature individual, culminating in the powerful affirmation, "yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it," which encapsulates the importance of personal responsibility and fulfillment in adulthood.