Invictus

by William Ernest Henley

The poem is consist of 4 stanzas with 4 lines each, which makes 16 lines in total. All of the four stanzas
have the alternate or the ABAB rhyme scheme. The figure of speech found in this poem are metaphor,
simile, personification, alliteration, imagery and symbolism.

The poem is consist of 4 stanzas with 4 lines each, which makes 16 lines in total. All of the four
stanzas have the alternate or the ABAB rhyme scheme. The figure of speech found in this poem
are metaphor, simile, personification, alliteration, imagery and symbolism.

“Out of the night that covers me”

The night is compared to the pain  and suffering (metaphor and symbolism) and it is as if the
night is covering the speaker (personification).

“Black as the pit from pole to pole”

The figure of speech used is simile because of the word ‘as’ and it was compared to the pole
and alliteration because of pit, pole and pole. The pit is also a symbol for darkness.

“In the fell clutch of circumstance”

The figure of speech used is alliteration because of clutch and circumstance. It is also classified
as personification.

“I have not winced nor cried aloud”

The figure of speech used is imagery because it shows that the speaker remains strong even after
all the pain and suffering he had experienced.

“Under the bludgeoning of chance”

The figure of speech used is personification.

“My head is bloody, but unbowed”

The figure of speech used is imagery because it shows that even he was having a difficult time,
he still managed to keep his head up. It also used alliteration because of bloody and unbowed.

“Beyond this place of wrath and tears”

The figure of speech used is metaphor.

“Looms but the horror of the shade”

The figure of speech used is metaphor, personification, symbolism (shade-chance of
suffering).

“And yet the menace of the years” 

The figure of speech used is metaphor (it means coming of age) and personification.
“It matters not how strait the gate”
The figure of speech used is symbolism because gate symbolizes one’s path in life.

“I am the master of my faith. I am the captain of my soul.”

The figure of speech used in these lines are symbolism. Master symbolizes that the speaker is in
charge of his life and his decisions and captain symbolizes that the speaker will guide his soul
and lead himself in wherever he goes and whatever he experiences in life.

Invictus talks about being brave and having courage, especially when you are facing tough
situations or problems. It was beautifully written by Henley because it empowers us to stand up
tall and be the best versions of ourselves. It motivates us to keep going and to be strong in facing
whatever life throws us.