His father was a struggling bookseller who died when Henley was a teenager. William Ernest Henley was born on 23 August 1849 in Gloucester. Poem "Invictus" , which William Ernest Henley wrote at the age of 16, after amputation of leg due to severe illness, became an anthem of fortitude and the ability to overcome obstacles. eNotes critical analyses help you gain a deeper understanding of Invictus so you can excel on your essay or test. For the finale, the speaker says no matter how “strait the gate” or of the “punishments th… Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. William Ernest Henley (1849-1903), an English Poet, had one of his legs amputated at the age of 17. It captures his indomitable spirit. The poem is one of the… Henley contracted tuberculosis of the bone at age 12, causing the am… Under the bludgeonings of chance In 1901, “Hawthorn and Lavender” another book with a series of touching poems came out followed by “A Song of Speed” in 1903. William Ernest Henley (23 August 1849 - 11 July 1903) was an English poet, literary critic, and editor, whose most popular work was his 1875 poem, "Invictus". The next stanza has the speaker discussing “beyond this place” with him describing it as the “Horror of the shade”. 1 Educator answer. It matters not how strait the gate, He didn’t believe there was … How charged with punishments the scroll, The Art of Manliness participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links. "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley: what it means Essay by gvillarreal , High School, 12th grade , A+ , September 2006 download word file , 2 pages download word file , 2 pages 1.0 1 votes 'Invictus', a poem said to have inspired great men, is a highly motivational piece of poetry that will surely boost your morale. Brown, and the University of St. Andrews. Brown, and the University of St. Andrews. Brown, and the University of St. Andrews. “Invictus” begins with the author stating everything is dark and black, yet the speaker still thanks God for having an “unconquerable soul”. My head is bloody, but unbowed. 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Latest answer posted December 09, 2009 at 8:18:28 PM Other articles where Invictus is discussed: William Ernest Henley: …is his most popular poem, “Invictus” (1875), which concludes with the lines “I am the master of my fate; / I am the captain of my soul.” Subsequent volumes of verse include London Voluntaries (1893), Poems (1898), Hawthorn and Lavender (1899), and For England’s Sake (1900). In the year 1876, while in the hospital to receive treatment for tuberculosis, British poet and avowed atheist William Ernest Henley wrote his most enduring work, Invictus. (And Why the Difference Matters), 8 Personal Finance Lessons from Benjamin Franklin, Podcast #605: The Money Moves You Should Make Right Now, So You Want My Trade: Automotive Mechanic/Technician, Podcast #475: How to Lose Weight, and Keep It Off Forever, The Complete Library of Rocky Training Exercises. William Ernest Henley, born August 23, 1849, was an influential British poet, perhaps best known for his poem “Invictus” (1875). Brown, and the University of St. Andrews. He had to have his leg amputated to the knee and doctors told him he would have to have the other one amputated if he were to survive. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Indeed, he led a meaningful life as a poet and editor until he passed away at age 53. William Ernest Henley Quiz. For my unconquerable soul. "[2][9] In the fourth stanza, Henley alludes to the fact that each individual's destiny is under the jurisdiction of themselves, not at the mercy of the obstacles they face, nor otherworldly powers. Essay Sample: What-up poetry people this is The Poetry Podcast with your host Ethan, today we will be discussing the details of the poem Invictus' by William Ernest This is also when he met, and became friends with, Robert Louis Stevenson. Challenges make one stronger but mentally submitting oneself to those impediments extinguishes the inner light that one carries inside the heart from infancy. 328. The Background "Invictus" is a very short Victorian poem written by William Ernest Henley.He was an English poet who lived within 1849 – 1903. A vivid example of how one work can change the thoughts and feelings of millions of people. This poem is about having courage in the face of adversity and having dignity despite the indignities of life. He is remembered most often for his 1875 poem "Invictus," a piece which recurs in popular awareness (e.g., see the 2009 Clint Eastwood film, Invictus). In the year 1876, while in the hospital to receive treatment for tuberculosis, British poet and avowed atheist William Ernest Henley wrote his most enduring work, Invictus. For my unconquerable soul. From the age of 12, Henley suffered from tuberculosis of the bone. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Later, the fourth stanza of the poem alludes to a phrase from the King James Bible, which says, at Matthew 7:14, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.". This degree of illness and surgery in the 1800s often lead to fatal outcomes. William Ernest Henley (23 August 1849 - 11 July 1903) is poet, publisher and critic. 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. 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 Analysis. I am the captain of my soul. Without complex line structures, it sends out a simple message to its readers - not to succumb to the miseries of fate. In the fell clutch of circumstance. Discussion of themes and motifs in William Ernest Henley's Invictus. William Ernest Henley (23 August 1849 – 11 July 1903) was an influential English poet, critic, and editor of the late Victorian era in England.Though he wrote several books of poetry, William Ernest Henley is remembered most often for his 1875 poem “Invictus”, a piece that recurs in popular awareness (e.g., see the 2009 Clint Eastwood film, Invictus). Henley suffered from terrible health problems and also had a child who passed during his own lifetime. About William Ernest Henley. And yet the menace of the years Henley, born at Gloucester, made the acquaintance of Robert Louis Stevenson, and collaborated with him in several dramas, including Deacon Brodie, and Robert Macaire. [7] In the second stanza, Henley refers to the strength that helped him through a childhood defined by his struggles with tuberculosis when he says "I have not winced nor cried aloud. Henley was truly the captain of his soul. “Invictus” is Latin for “unconquerable.” Every man should have an unconquerable spirit. At age 12 Henley was diagnosed with tubercular arthritis that necessitated the amputation of one of his legs just below the … I am the master of my fate: Finds, and shall find me, unafraid. Invictus by William Ernest Henley. This poem depicts the poet’s attempt to motivate himself when there is no hope at all. Out of the night that covers me, William Ernest Henley was born on August 23, 1849,in Gloucester, England. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Close. David Epstein wrote The Sports Gene to tell us about how Donald Thomas became a 2007 world champion. William Ernest Henley. The poem reflects the author’s perception and attitude towards life, how he views the difficulties and hardships he encounters along the way and how he responds and survives life amidst these challenges. Invictus How much has Poem Analysis donated to charity? Looms but the Horror of the shade, We are responsible for our own happiness. William Ernest Henley (1849-1903), an influential editor, critic and poet, had a role in the late-Victorian period similar to that of Dr Samuel Johnson in the late eighteenth century. Finds, and shall find, me unafraid. 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. It matters not how strait the gate, There is agreement that much of the dark descriptions in the opening lines make reference to Hell. 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