'Invictus' Summary

The poem "Invictus" is a powerful and moving evocation of the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity. Written by William Ernest Henley in the late 19th century, the poem has become a timeless classic, inspiring countless people with its message of hope, strength, and resilience. The poem begins with the speaker defiantly declaring, "Out of the night that covers me, / Black as the pit from pole to pole, / I thank whatever gods may be / For my unconquerable soul." These lines establish the speaker's indomitable spirit, even in the face of darkness and despair. The speaker goes on to describe the challenges he has faced, including "the bludgeonings of chance" and "the horror of the shade." However, he refuses to be defeated, declaring, "My head is bloody, but unbowed." The speaker's resilience is a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure even the most difficult circumstances.