As a didactic poem, “If—” offers instruction on various levels. On one hand, it’s a poem wherein a father instructs his son on righteous living. The poem also operates on a larger level, where the speaker counsels readers in general on how best to live a life of virtue.

The poem’s tone is upbeat, reminiscent of contemporary self-help books that provide advice in a familiar, optimistic, and engaging voice.

Many of the poem’s lines begin with “if,” which gives the poem its title. This conditional introduces conditions, or requirements, that readers must meet to ensure virtuous living.

The first stanza establishes the “if” scenario that continues throughout the poem. With the first two lines, “If you can keep your head when all about you / Are losing theirs and blaming it on you” (Lines 1-2), the speaker impresses upon the reader to be sensible when those around them may not be.

The next “if” situation presented in the third and fourth lines, “If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, / But make allowance for their doubting too” (Lines 3-4), emphasizes two characteristics that we must possess: self-confidence and empathy, even if others do not agree with you.