How Does Kipling Wrote His Poem 'For His Son'?

It seems a matter of debate as to whether or not Kipling wrote his most famous poem, If, for his son. It would be easy to make the presumption, as it is an inspirational lesson—sometimes referred to as ‘England’s favorite poem’—though there is question as to the date it was indeed written. In some instances, it is said that it was written in 1895, before his son was born. In others, it is said that it was written in 1909-10, which is also the time in which it was published. Either way, it would certainly serve well as advice to his son, who left to join the war effort.
Kipling offers sound advice through his first stanza, with the first line in each pair stating a noble reaction to instances when others attempt to influence one’s happiness or steadfastness. Perhaps the most noted line in the poem, however, is found in the second stanza in which he states, “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two imposters just the

From the struggles and vulnerability of having others attempting to tarnish your name, through the hardships of growing in character, to finally having the certainty to walk with greatness while being free of haughtiness, he covers the natural order of events skillfully—even if it is delivered with a properness reserved for the English culture of his time. He brings a very common theme together from first to final stanza, first with his lines “Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, and yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise,” followed by the introduction of the fourth stanza, stating, “If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with Kings – nor lose the common touch.” With these lines, he affirms his belief that a man must never think too greatly of himself whether he be the victim of persecution or a man of greatness, fit for meetings with