|
Interpretation:
As I researched this poem, I found that Henley’s “Invictus” infuriates most Christians. There are several interpretations of this poem by theologians of all kinds. From what I could find, Henley wrote this poem while in the hospital after losing his leg from complications of tuberculosis. I believe this poem is mostly about his gained strength from this experience. Some refer to this poem in heroic context. I think Henley’s religious convictions also came through.
First Stanza: “Out of the night that covers me; Black as the pit from pole to pole,”
I think Henley wants to express how sick he feels as he compares his health to the darkness of night and a black pit. However, I think he also feels fortunate to be alive because he then adds: “I thank whatever gods may be; For my unconquerable soul.” I believe he feels that no illness or setback in his life can bring down his spirit.
Second Stanza: “In the fell clutch of circumstance; I have not winced nor cried aloud.” Henley refers to his misfortune as simply something that happens and he has remained strong in his convictions to not show his pain by crying aloud. He then writes: “Under the bludgeonings of chance; My head is bloody, but unbowed.” I think he again refers to his illness as chance and not as a predetermined illness that he was meant to have. His head his bloody but he still holds his head up high under the dire circumstances.
Third Stanza: “Beyond this place of wrath and tears; Looms but the Horror of the shade,” I think here he refers to the afterlife. Once he has passed away he will be beyond the wrath and tears, yet I believe he refers to his afterlife as a shade or dim place between the living and the dead or in Catholic terms “purgatory.” Then he writes: “And yet the menace of the years; Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.” I think he states here that even though he faces the “Horror of the shade.” He is unafraid despite the menace of his former years of life.
Fourth Stanza: “It matters not how strait the gate; How charged with punishments the scroll,” I believe he believes that no matter how he lives his life, good or bad and then he writes “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.” It suggests that man is his own “god” - that he can manage his own destiny without any need of instruction from a Creator.
|
