Question

1. how does the repetition of \if\ most contribute to the poems overall meaning?

a. it highlights how fearful the speaker is about his sons future.
b. it highlights how unlikely it is that the speakers son will become a proper adult.
c. it emphasizes how much the speakers son must do in order to become a man.
d. it suggests that the speakers advice is not necessary for his son to become a man.

Explanation:

The repetition of "if" in a poem often sets up a series of conditions or requirements. In this context, it implies a list of things the son must achieve or do. Option A focuses on fear which isn't typically the main connotation of "if" repetition in such a context. Option B's "unlikely" is not a common implication of "if" repetition here. Option D goes against the idea as "if" usually implies a set of things that are considered important (so advice is being given). Option C aligns with the idea that "if" sets up conditions (things to do) for the son to become a man.

Answer:

C. It emphasizes how much the speaker's son must do in order to become a man.