Poetry Analysis Essay on Invictus: Triumph Over Adversity

William Ernest Henley poem the Invictus is considerably tending to be a very inspirational poem in world literature. During a period of desperation with no hope as depicted by the poem, the poet is attempting to strengthen his soul by motivating himself. Having lost his legs when the poem was written, the poet is in physical and mental agony, and from this situation, the poet is trying lifting his courage.

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Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods maybe

For my unconquerable soul. (Invictus)

At the start of his work, the poet reveals he wants to express his thanks to God by admitting that his life is missing the light of hope. In fact, the poet admits a lot of despair in his future. However, he is still thanking God because of "unconquerable soul" because in such despair no pain has the potential of curving his soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody but unbowed. (Invictus)

Eventually, the poet continues his story by acknowledging the high spirits he possesses regardless of the previous happenings in his life. Not ashamed of his current situation is one thing the poet believes in spite of his body seemingly having bloodstains. The poet points a horror that is lurking behind his back in the third stanza. However, the horror is always finding him not afraid. Thus, he has faced the troubles and menace coming along his life bravely. In the final stanza the poet lifts up his hope by saying that despite his gates of life seeming narrow, he holds that he will overcome the challenges with vigour.

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. (Invictus)

It is evident that throughout his piece of work, the poet is motivating his audiences to understand that nobody has the ability to control our lives. Substantially, the choices we make determine our future.

Works Cited

Henley, William Ernest. "Invictus." Family Friend Poems, https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/invictus-by-william-ernest-henley.