This is the presentation about a very renowned poem 'Invictus' written by William Ernest Henly, an English port from late-Victorian era. This presentation represents the complete meaning of the poem and the circumstances in which the poem was written. This poem is about the unconquered soul and has gained popularity by recitation by many well known persons like Nelson Mandela, Morgan Freeman, Daniel Gallagher, etc. and movie named 'Invictus' was also released on 2009 as well there is also a band with the same name.

1. 9TH SSC ENGLISH
Invictus

2. WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY
 William Ernest Henley (23 August
1849 – 11 July 1903) was an
English poet, critic and editor in
late Victorian England.
 Though he wrote several books of
poetry, Henley is remembered most
often for his 1875 poem “Invictus".

3. ABOUT INVICTUS
 Invictus, meaning “unconquerable” or “undefeated” in
Latin, is a poem by William Ernest Henley.
 The poem was written while Henley was in the hospital
being treated for tuberculosis of the bone, also known
as Pott’s disease.
 He had had the disease since he was very young, and
his foot had been amputated shortly before he wrote the
poem.
 This poem is about courage in the face of death, and
holding on to one’s own dignity despite the indignities
life places before us.

4. SUMMARY
 The poet says that the hardships that surround him are as black as the centre of
the earth. He thanks whatever Gods that may be there, for his unconquerable
soul.
 He says that though he was a victim of wicked circumstances, he has neither
reacted with pain nor cried aloud. Though he is suffering under the violent
beating of fate, his head is bloody but unbowed.
 Beyond this world of anger and sadness in which we live, there exists the dark
unknown, which my hold more hardships for the soul. Yet, he says, even the
threat of what may happen later does not make him afraid.
 It does not how narrow or difficult the gate to Heaven is, or how many more
punishments are written on the official roll of paper. The poet says with utter
confidence that he is the master of his own fate, and the captain of his soul. He
has the sole authority of his own life.

5. INVICTUS
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.
Meanings:
1. Invictus – unconquered
2. Pit – a large deep hole in the ground

6. INVICTUS
First stanza explanation
 The speaker begins by emerging from a
metaphorical night that lies on top of the speaker
like a physical thing.
 This night, which seems to fill the whole world, is as
dark as Hell.
 Despite this darkness, the speaker feels gratitude
towards any god or gods that may exist for granting
unshakeable resilience.

7. INVICTUS
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Meanings:
1. Fell clutch – wicked trap
2. Winced - shrinking movement of the body out of pain
3. Bludgeonings – Violent beating with an heavy object

8. INVICTUS
Second stanza explanation
 Looking back on life's past challenges, which repressed
the speaker like a giant fist, the speaker remembers
never showing discomfort or complaining.
 Going even further, the speaker compares life's
unexpected troubles to being beaten with a heavy
implement.
 The speaker was damaged by this beating, yet that fact
did not decrease the speaker's pride or resolve.

9. INVICTUS
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.
Meanings:
1. Wrath – anger
2. Looms – hangs overhead
3. Menace – threat

10. INVICTUS
Third stanza explanation
 Now the speaker looks beyond the present of anger
and sadness to the future.
 Unfortunately, the future's only certainty is death,
which hangs over the present like a terrifying
shadow.
 However, the speaker once again declares that the
threat of inevitable suffering does not, and never
will, frighten the speaker..

11. INVICTUS
It matters not how strait the gate.
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate :
I am the captain of my soul.
Meanings:
1. Strait – difficulty
2. Scroll – Roll of paper for writing
3. Fate – destiny

12. INVICTUS
Fourth stanza explanation
 The speaker doesn't care how challenging life becomes,
alluding (suggest) to a biblical (from Bible) passage in
which a narrow gate represents extreme difficulty.
 Nor does the speaker care how many horrible events lie
in the book of fate. The speaker controls the course of
their own inner life.
 Like a ship's captain, the speaker remains in charge of
their inner life's unconquerable element: the soul.

13. Thank You!