He was an English poet, writer, critic, and editor in the late Victorian period. It deals with the belief that man is the center of the universe. Latin for "invincible", the poem "Invictus" is a deeply descriptive and motivational work filled with vivid imagery. Henley experienced pain and distress for many years - the poem is rooted in the awful circumstances he found himself in when a boy and a young man. The Background. " Während eines 20-monatigen Sanatoriumsaufenthalts von 1873 bis 1875 in Edinburgh begann er Gedichte zu schreiben. He says, “Out of the night that covers me,/Black as the Pit from pole to pole.” Henley’s use of imagery is strong from the very first line of the poem. William Ernest Henley, born August 23, 1849, was an influential British poet, perhaps best known for his poem “Invictus” (1875). The rising rhythm of the poem sets an optimistic mood in the poem. Throughout all that he has been dealt, the speaker has not even cringed or cried about what has happened. Jamie joined the Poem Analysis team back in November, 2010. In ‘Invictus’, W. E. Henley concerns several themes such as suffering and rejuvenation, fatalism, free will, homocentrism or anthropocentrism, realism, and agnosticism. What is the speaker suggesting when the words It matters not how are placed in front of strait the gate? In these lines, Henley personifies circumstance, giving it human-like qualities to show just how tightly the events of one’s life can take hold. As an example, the first feet of the first and second lines of the poem are trochaic. It is also the title of a beautiful poem by William Earnest Henley. ‘Invictus’ is W.E. Here, the poet personifies the “night” that covers the speaker in “Black”. In the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley the writer has given us a glimpse of the theme in the title itself. Whereas the tone of the first stanza is ironic and firm. This poem depicts the poet’s attempt to motivate himself when there is no hope at all. The climax to the poem contains an allusion to the christian bible, New Testament Matthew (7:13/14) where Jesus says 'Strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it'. The figure of speech found in this poem are metaphor, simile, personification, alliteration, imagery and symbolism. "Invictus" was written by William Ernest Henley in 1875, while he underwent medical treatment for tuberculosis of the bone. It's not quite prayer but it is grateful thanks. The third and fourth lines follow a similar path. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site. What's your thoughts? Henley’s life, it becomes apparent that the poem Invictusarose from the poet’s own experiences. Thus, we can safely assume “Invictus” is about the speaker’s pain and uncertainty of his future. These lines to ‘Invictus’ are some of the most powerful and poignant lines in all of poetry, recognized around the world. The message is underlined - the speaker has a clear intention, to survive against all the odds. The poet certainly knew hard times and needed all his strength to battle against disease. It means the stress falls on “Out” and “Black” in the first and second lines respectively. The title of the poem, Invictus, which is Latin for “unconquered,” was given by the editor of The Oxford Book of English Verse . After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Please support this website by adding us to your whitelist in your ad blocker. Originally, the poem was published with no title. Invictus by William Ernest Henley is an inspirational poem. Des Schicksals Schläg in … Ich dank, welch Gott es geben mag, dass unbezwungn ist meine Seel. The speaker here suggesting that despite being battered and wounded there is still no subservient or self-pitying bow of the head. Fate is just an abstract idea that obstructs one’s thought process. Invictus is a Latin word meaning: Unconquered, Undefeated, Unvanquished. Thereafter the poet throws light on the theme of fate vs free will. Invictus, meaning "unconquerable" or "undefeated" in Latin, is a poem by William Ernest Henley. BY WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY . Many Victorian writers often incorporated nature into their poetry, and Henley continued this trend, which is quite evident in the lines of ‘Invictus’. His poems are published online and in print. Moreover, in the last two lines of this stanza, Henley uses metaphor and epigram as well. Every single person that visits PoemAnalysis.com has helped contribute, so thank you for your support. This is similar in feeling to the idea of St John of the Cross, the Spanish mystic, writing in the 16th century of 'the dark night of the soul', where the human spirit has lost its normal confident, self-assured status. 'Invictus', a poem said to have inspired great men, is a highly motivational piece of poetry that will surely boost your morale. The word “victus” has come from the past participle of “vincere” meaning “to conquer, overcome.” Collectively the word “Invictus” means one who cannot be conquered, meaning unconquerable. Hence the poem is written in iambic tetrameter. Invictus is a poem which focuses on the human spirit and its ability to overcome adversity. Each quatrain deals with the speaker's personal reaction in the face of adversity. Occasional trochees (and spondees) occur to sharpen up this steady rhythm. In the following two stanzas, the speaker’s tone becomes firmer. Invictus, meaning “unconquerable” or “undefeated” in Latin, is a poem by William Ernest Henley. There is an interesting start to this second quatrain - fell clutch is delicious wording for the reader's tongue and basically means cruel grasp, the speaker stating clearly that despite being tightly held, in an awful situation, they didn't once give in or show signs of weakness. Knowing that this poem was written by Henley while he was in the hospital being treated for tuberculosis of the bone. Brown, and the University of St. Andrews. Posted on February 8, 2017 by 9eerineduclan. The head is still held high. (Source: Nelson Mandela: A Very Short Introduction by Elleke Boehmer, Tom Lodge). In this case, William Ernest Henley had tuberculosis of the bone when he was just 25 years old. The fourth stanza, while still fairly dark, is somewhat more uplifting, particularly in the last two lines of the poem. William Ernest Henley, born August 23, 1849, was an influential British poet, perhaps best known for his poem “Invictus” (1875). In this way, Henley successfully projected the spirit of the late Victorian period. Henley was very sick as a young boy, which later resulted in him contracting an infection that spread to his leg. The login page will open in a new tab. The message of self-mastery in this poem touched Mandela deeply. W.E. Moreover, the mood changes as the poem approach the end. By William Ernest Henley About this Poet Born in Gloucester, England, poet, editor, and critic William Ernest Henley was educated at Crypt Grammar School, where he studied with the poet T.E. Please log in again. Lastly, Henley wrote this poem to express his disbelief in conventional notions regarding God or fate. It is night time, the dark covers everything in black. He does admit, however, in the next two lines that he has not emerged unscathed. 1874 machte er die Bekanntschaft … More importantly, the poem's message is universal in its appeal. It is quite easy for the reader to picture a complete night. Andrew has a keen interest in all aspects of poetry and writes extensively on the subject. We are the master of our destiny. He was still only a young man at this time. The out-worldly agents have no control over one’s mind or soul. It was first published in 1888—without a title—in Henley’s first volume of poetry. Ads are what helps us bring you premium content! Then he chose to travel to Edinburgh in August 1873 for treatment under the renowned English surgeon Joseph Lister. In some respect, the tone also projects a sense of insecurity, but the courage of the speaker dominates it. The second stanza is a continuation of the first. Little wonder that many famous and many unknown people over the years have used the inspiration of this poem to help them face personal trials and tribulations. The last two lines of William Ernest Henley’s poem ‘Invictus‘ contain invaluable advice to those who blame God for their failures. It was during his time in Edinburgh that Henley met the writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Again, the reader is advised that there will be no capitulation, no giving in. While he was recovering, he wrote the verses that became the poem ‘Invictus’. In the early 1870s, he faced a similar problem with his other leg. Without complex line structures, it sends out a simple message to its readers - … The speaker is affirming that, whether a person believes in heaven and hell or not, the plain fact is that the individual is in charge, is in control of their own fate. The mood of the poem is dark and gloomy. Each line of this poem contains eight syllables and the stress falls on the second syllable of each foot, a segment of two syllables. In the first stanza of ‘Invictus’, the speaker immediately sets the stage for his reader. These last two lines are considered to be some of the most famous lines in all of literature, and they are a continued source of inspiration for people of all walks of life. Invictus means unconquerable or undetected in Latin. In the second line, there is a simile and the comparison is made between the darkness of night to the color of the pit. Before we get to the meat of the analysis, here’s a background on the poem’s title and its writer, William Ernest Henley. In fact, the speaker has been unafraid throughout the ordeal, which has lasted years, and will continue to show a brave face. Invictus by William Ernest Henley l Poetry Narration l - YouTube. It is his self-belief and courage that will sail him through all the difficulties. Invictus is a poem which focuses on the human spirit and its ability to overcome adversity. Join the conversation by. He again tells his reader that he does not fear anything. It means a great deal to me, and I encourage you to enjoy it as well… INVICTUS. One can refer to the following poems similar to that of Henley for further reference. The meaning of Invictus is unconquerable or undefeated in Latin. Moreover, when he is being judged, no matter how many punishments are listed, he will have decided his fate, and he will have steered his course. In the year 1900 Arthur Quiller – Couch included in the Oxford Book of English verse with the title Invictus. Later the poem got reprinted in several 19th-century newspapers under various titles such as, “Myself,” “Master of His Fate,” “Captain of My Soul,” and “De Profundis.” The well-known title ‘Invictus’ was added to the poem by Arthur Quiller-Couch, the editor of the “Oxford Book of English Verse (1900).”. Thorough analysis. The unwavering resilience it summons in the face of adversity has led to its enduring popularity and use in a variety of contexts. This helps keep the whole poem together. It seems as if the poet wrote this poem from the perspective of a person who is courageously fighting the odds of his or her life in a dark and upsetting phase. He is the author of A Song of Speed (D. Nutt, 1903), Hawthorn & Lavender with Other Verses (D. Nutt, 1901), and For England’s Sake: Verses and Songs in Time of War (D. Nutt, 1900), among others.He died in Woking, England, on July 11, 1903. Here is a list of a few poems that depict the themes present in Henley’s poem, ‘Invictus’. He has a passion for poetry and enjoys analysing and providing interpretations for poetry from the past and present. Perhaps Henley’s use of the word unconquerable here is what inspired the editor of “The Oxford Book of English Verse” to title the poem ‘Invictus’. When the poet writes this poem … This is the gate that leads to the heavenly life. From the age of 12, Henley suffered from tuberculosis of the bone. The 'Horror of the shade' could be some hellish place of dark where depression lies, a menacing thought. Please continue to help us support the fight against dementia. The third stanza of ‘Invictus’ takes a darker turn, for the speaker refers to an afterlife that is filled with horror. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, Invictus is a Latin adjective used to describe something or someone that is “unconquerable, unsubdued, or invincible.” The word combines the prefix in, meaning not, and victus, from the word vincere, meaning “to conquer or overcome.” Looking at W.E. To give such lines justice, we made sure to do a deeper analysis and understanding of these lines, by particularly looking at ‘I am the master of my fate, / I am the captain of my soul’. There is strong assonance - use of repeated vowels: Under the bludgeonings of chance/My head is bloody but unbowed. In these two lines, the poet also creates a metaphor, as the night to which the speaker refers can represent any quandary in which the speaker finds himself. All of the four stanzas have the alternate or the ABAB rhyme scheme. Invictus is a four stanza rhyming poem in iambic tetrameter, that is, with four beats or stresses in each line. It is through advertising that we are able to contribute to charity. The poem also has a set metrical pattern. Henley's personal experience on the operating table and in a hospital bed, facing possible death, certainly helped him create one of the most popular poems in the English language. See, Wi… Born in Gloucester, England in 1849, he was diagnosed with tubercular arthritis at the age of 12 and went through years of pain and discomfort. He was an English poet who lived within 1849 – 1903. When he was incarcerated at the Robben Island prison, he recited this poem to other prisoners. However, there are a few variations in the poem. It is a rallying cry for those who find themselves in dark and trying situations, who have to dig deep and fight for their lives. It is a poem emphasizing the significance of free will and rationalism. The overall tone of the poem is optimistic, direct, rational, and ironic. This famous inspirational poem charges us to accept responsibility for our lives no matter our circumstances. He wrote the poem in 1875 and dedicated it Scottish flour merchant named Robert Thomas Hamilton Bruce. ‘Invictus’ is a Latin adjective meaning, “unconquered, unsubdued, invincible.” It is a combination of two Latin words, “in” meaning “not, opposite of” and “victus”. In 1902, Henley fell from a railway carriage that caused his latent tuberculosis to flare up. This is one of the poems in which knowing the author’s background is of great help. Without complex line structures, it sends out a simple message to its readers - not to succumb to the miseries of fate. The ailment resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee in 1868-69. This famous poem Invictus was written in 1875 by the English Poet William Ernest Henley. Style: V… This poem was written on the hospital bed after the doctor told him that if they didn’t amputate his leg below the knee he’d die. According to the poet, one must act by his will and mind. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, a South African revolutionary and President of South Africa (1994-1999), was influenced by the verbal energy and inspirational elements of Henley’s poem, ‘Invictus’. But, it shall find the speaker, unafraid. “In the fell clutch of circumstance” or “Under the bludgeonings of chance”, he has not bowed his head. William Ernest Henley (1849-1903), an English Poet, had one of his legs amputated at the age of 17. The poem begins with a personification. The expression of the speaker creates a serious yet uplifting mood inside the text. Self-Determination. Subscribe to our mailing list and get new poetry analysis updates straight to your inbox. Neither the “punishments” inscribed on the “scroll” makes him frightened. Es wurde erstmals 1875 in einem Buch mit dem Titel Book of Verses, damals noch ohne Titel, veröffentlicht. Subscribe to our mailing list to get the latest and greatest poetry updates. He wrote the poem without a title. William Ernest Henley was born on 23 August 1849 in Gloucester. The most important theme of the poem is suffering and rejuvenation. For example, the first stanza has a trochee as the opening foot in both first and second lines. It was written in 1875 and published in 1888 in his first volume of poems, Book of Verses, in the section Life and Death (Echoes). Challenges make one stronger but mentally submitting oneself to those impediments extinguishes the inner light that one carries inside the heart from infancy. The basic idea is that, no matter what life throws at you don't let it get you down. They became friends and corresponded on a regular basis. However, the poem was published in 1888 in his first volume of poems, “Book of Verses”, without a title. The speaker implies that their unconquerable soul is a gift from a godly realm. The speaker looks into the future, taking into account all the anger and pain associated with life on earth, and particularly in places such as hospitals. The night then becomes a symbol of hopelessness, a depressive medium in which the soul is lost. However, he knows at some point of time, one has to enter the horrid palace of death. The poet certainly knew hard times and needed all … Trotz Pein, die mir das Leben war, man sah kein Zucken, sah kein Toben. Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be. The leg was amputated, and doctors thought they would have to do the same to the other leg, as well, but Henley persuaded another doctor to try a new treatment that was able to prevent amputation. Here, the speaker talks about the sufferings in his life and how he conquered everything that came in his way to rampage his self-belief. He died of it on 11 July 1903, at the age of 53. Politicians and authors also love to quote the inspirational last two lines of the poem: In this poem, the speaker is faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. The first stanza ends with an ironic note. Invictus, meaning "unconquerable" or "undefeated" in Latin, is a poem by William Ernest Henley. It can be inferred, particularly when one knows the occupation of the man to whom the poem was dedicated, that our fearless speaker is perhaps a captain of a ship, particularly when he gives himself that title at the end of the poem. Introspective Chameleon (B & W) Invictus Motivational Gedicht William Ernest Henley 4 (Himmel Hölle), Kunstdruck Foto Poster Einzigartiges Geschenk 18 x 12 inch: 29,99€ 2: Invictus: Selected Poems & Prose of W E Henley: Selected Poems and Prose of W. E. Henley: 57,43€ 3: Poems: 17,99€ 4: In Hospital: 11,99€ 5 Note the use of enjambment in the first three stanzas, where one line continues meaning into the next without punctuation. “Invictus” has achieved great cultural influence as an inspiring and uplifting poem. Invictus ist ein kurzes viktorianisches Gedicht von William Ernest Henley (1849–1903). He wrote several books of poetry but he is most famous for his 1875 poem ‘Invictus’. He managed to save his right leg by refusing surgery and seeking an alternative form of treatment from a Scottish doctor, James Lister. It is not only about God, but the mindset that makes one surrender while faced with challenges. (Online Etymology Dictionary) “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley is a poem about not being afraid when the death is approaching, and holding on to one’s honor in spite of the discourtesy life places for us. Note how the speaker is at first subject to the negative but then responds in positive fashion, a repeated theme throughout the poem. Thereafter, by using the phrase “from pole to pole,” the poet conjures up an image of the world, and it gives an almost nautical feel to the poem. The poem is most known for its themes of will-power and strength in the face of adversity, much of which is drawn from the horrible fate assigned to many amputees of the day— gangrene and death. Written in 1875 and published in 1888 it retains its original power and conviction, the simple rhyme scheme tightening the lines and making them memorable. Er hatte zwei Brüder, Anthony Warton und Edward John. Henley’s most famous and inspirational poem, that resonates with people worldwide. It is said that William Ernest Henley wrote the poem in 1875 for a Scottish flour merchant named Robert Thomas Hamilton Bruce. He is the author of A Song of Speed (D. Nutt, 1903), Hawthorn & Lavender with Other Verses (D. Nutt, 1901), and For England’s Sake: Verses and Songs in Time of War (D. Nutt, 1900), among others.He died in Woking, England, on July 11, 1903. Den Titel Invictus (deutsch Unbezwungen) gab dem Gedicht Arthur Quiller-Couch 1901, als er es in das von ihm herausgegebene The Oxford Book of English Verse aufnahm. We are responsible for our own happiness. The power of rejuvenation helped his mind be fresh again after getting defeated by fate. For my unconquerable soul. The imagery is strong. Moreover, it is important here to think about the connotations of the word “night.” Since it is dark and one cannot see, it is easy for horrible things to happen, particularly when the night is “black as the Pit.” It is also curious that Henley chose to capitalize “Pit,” using a simile to compare the darkness of the night to this hole. Lines eleven and twelve read, “And yet the menace of the years/ Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.” The speaker will remain fearless, even in the face of death and what comes after. The poem is consist of 4 stanzas with 4 lines each, which makes 16 lines in total. Nelson Mandela has been depicted in films on multiple occasions. Invictus " is a very short Victorian poem written by William Ernest Henley. Meaning of the Poem: Invictus is a short Victorian poem by the English poet William Ernest Henley (1849–1903). In Invictus (2009), a biographical sports drama film based on John Carlin’s “Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation” (2008), he was depicted presenting a copy of the poem to Francois Pienaar, captain of the national South African rugby team for inspiration during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Meaning of the Poem ‘Invictus’ by William Ernest Henley. In the second stanza, the poet uses a metaphor in “fell clutch of circumstance.” There is another metaphor in the “bludgeonings of chance.” The third stanza contains a metonym for the earth in “this place of wrath and tears.” The last line of this stanza contains a repetition of the verb “find” and this poetic device is known as palilogy. Henley writes, “Under the bludgeonings of chance/ My head is bloody, but unbowed.” While he may have physical scars, he has never bowed his head in defeat; instead, he has kept it held high. The second edition of Henley’s Book of Verses added a dedication “To R. T. H. B.”—a reference to Robert Thomas … It says quite emphatically that, it doesn't matter who you are, believer or not, you can overcome dark times by being brave and never losing faith in your own soul's strength. Though at the actual event Mandela gave him a text of “The Man in the Arena” passage from Theodore Roosevelt’s “Citizenship in a Republic” speech delivered in France in 1910. The future cannot be seen. It does not matter to him how narrow the gate to heaven is. Throughout it all, however, he perseveres and is successful in his endeavors. Thank you! I enjoyed the stanza by stanza analysis. It is a rallying cry for those who find themselves in dark and trying situations, who have to dig deep and fight for their lives. In the next two lines of the first stanza, Henley writes, “I thank whatever gods may be/ For my unconquerable soul.” While the speaker does not know which Higher Beings truly exist, he takes the time to thank them for giving him a soul that cannot be conquered. The nautical imagery once again returns in this stanza, with the speaker referring to himself as a captain, but also commenting that it does not matter how narrow the path is to the gates of the afterlife, he will make it with no problems. Henley also employs alliteration in this stanza, repeating the “b” sound, which creates a harsh rhythm to the poem. Invictus is a poem which focuses on the human spirit and its ability to overcome adversity. The last stanza contains an allusion to a phrase present in Matthew 7:14. Invictus (unbezwungen) Aus finstrer Nacht, die mich umragt, durch Dunkelheit mein‘ Geist ich quäl. Lines three and four are pure iambic tetrameter: Black as / the pit / from pole / to pole. The The Meaning of Invictus is provided below by first giving a brief description on the background followed by the poem structure and its meaning. The poem was first published in 1888—without a title—in Henley’s first volume of poetry. In the last stanza, his voice contains a tone of rejection and it becomes more authoritative. Stevenson later admitted that he had based his character Long John Silver - from the book Treasure Island - on Henley, he having a wooden leg, a strong rasping voice and a forceful personality. The title of the poem, ‘Invictus,’ which is Latin for “unconquered,” was given by the editor of “The Oxford Book of English Verse.” This poem is a favorite in popular culture, making appearances in movies such as Casablanca and the Nelson Mandela movie of the same name. One reason Henley may have chosen to capitalize “Pit” is to refer to Hell, which is considered to be the bleakest and blackest of places. The speaker is coming out of a period of total darkness, a hell. The poem's … Times may be dark, the fates against you, but you know what? Although the poem doesn't explicitly mention christianity, there is a sense that this opening line is rooted in religiousness. Henley writes, “Beyond this place of wrath and tears/ Looms but the Horror of the shade.” The speaker seems to be saying here that he knows that what he has endured in this life is nothing compared to what lies ahead in the “shade,” which is a reference to death. Many scholars believe Henley wrote this poem about himself since he wrote it while lying in a hospital bed. With four stanzas and sixteen lines, each containing eight syllables, the poem has a rather uncomplicated structure. The word symbol derives from the Greek word “symbolon” meaning token or watchword. Originally the fourth part of a longer sequence published in Henley's collection In Hospital, this 16-line section has taken on a life of its own. You can read about 8 of the Best Self-Love Poems here. He faces each challenge with courage and is not afraid, and he can surmount any hardship. looking at ‘I am the master of my fate, / I am the captain of my soul’, Nelson Mandela: A Very Short Introduction by Elleke Boehmer, Tom Lodge, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul, A Love by the Sea by William Earnest Henley. Meaning of the Poem ‘Invictus’ by William Ernest Henley 'Invictus', a poem said to have inspired great men, is a highly motivational piece of poetry that will surely boost your morale. The second line reinforces the first - the black pit suggesting that this was a deep depression, a spiritual darkness covering the whole world, the world being that of the speaker. Als Kind litt Henley unter Tuberkulose und musste einen Fuß amputieren lassen. Poetry Analysis: Invictus by William Ernest Henley. The end rhymes are all full, so the rhyme scheme is abab cdcd efef ghgh. Conversely, the second line is an inference to the depths of hell - the punishments being the sins written down during a lifetime. However, despite the speaker’s almost absolute darkness ahead, he remains in good spirits, hopeful, and positive. ‘Invictus’, a Victorian poem, is made up of four stanzas and sixteen lines, with four lines in each stanza. Fortunately, the doctor saved his remaining leg. 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Written by Henley while he underwent medical treatment for tuberculosis of the.... Pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be, we can safely “! Extreme stress and pain personifies the “ scroll ” makes him frightened important of... Begeisterte ihn für Literatur of a period of total darkness, a medium. Particularly in the following poems similar to that of Henley for further reference control over one ’ s to... ‘ Geist ich quäl by Elleke Boehmer, Tom Lodge ) meaning token or watchword his first of! The speaker has a rather uncomplicated structure written in 1875, while he was an poet... “ Under the bludgeonings of chance ”, he faced a similar problem with his other leg,... Are a few poems that depict the themes present in Henley ’ s almost absolute darkness ahead, knows! And rejuvenation and symbolism has helped contribute, so the rhyme scheme is abab cdcd efef ghgh words it not... `` Invictus '' was written while Henley was born on 23 August 1849 in Gloucester person! Mandela has been depicted in films on multiple occasions night then becomes symbol. Invictus ” has achieved great cultural influence as an inspiring and uplifting poem despite battered... Circumstance ” or “ Under the renowned English surgeon Joseph Lister are able to contribute to charity giving.... Here, the poem the Oxford Book of Verses, damals noch ohne,..., 2010 similar path this steady rhythm while he was just 25 years william ernest henley poems invictus meaning! An alternative form of treatment from a railway carriage that caused his latent tuberculosis to flare.... There will be no capitulation, no giving in of a few poems that depict the present. You, but you know what William Earnest Henley and return to page. Been dealt, the second stanza is a poem by William Ernest Henley 1849–1903. Becomes firmer to that of Henley for further reference in its appeal ’, a Victorian poem William! Can read about 8 of the speaker ’ s tone becomes firmer zwei Brüder, Anthony Warton Edward! Henley wrote this poem to express his disbelief in conventional notions regarding God or.! Poetry updates the writer Robert Louis Stevenson incarcerated at william ernest henley poems invictus meaning age of 53 fate free..., even to those impediments extinguishes the inner light that one carries inside the heart from.. Has helped contribute, so thank you for your support was written by William Ernest Henley ( )! Famous for his reader night then becomes a symbol of hopelessness, a depressive in. Figure of speech found in this way, Henley successfully projected the spirit of the late Victorian.!