Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, buy unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punshments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Thesis
The hardships that Henley faced, mainly with his health, very much had an impact on his writing and the tone it took on. "Invictus" was written while Henley lay on his death bed, at the age of 54. Having fought for his life since the age of 12, Henley understood the meaning of strength and was therefore able to write such an unforgettable poem.
Henley uses theme, imagery, and tone to convey his thoughts and feelings of strength to the reader.
1. What is the attitude of the poem?
2. What line(s) have the strongest meaning?
3. Can you relate this poem to an experience you've had?
4. How does the poet use imagery to convey his thoughts?
5. Is the poet's word choice effective to the idea or mood he is trying to create?
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