William Ernest Henley suffered from tuberculosis as a boy which led to the amputation of his left leg. While hospitalized, he wrote the poem "Invictus" in 1875. The poem expresses Henley's determination to remain undefeated in spirit despite all the difficulties and challenges in his life over which he has no control. It conveys his refusal to bow down or submit to the hardships of his circumstance.

1. Invictus
William Ernest Henley

2. William Ernest Henley
• August 23, 1849 – July 11, 1903
• Born in Gloucester, England
• Suffered from tuberculosis of the
bone as a boy
• Went to the hospital in 1874 for a
tubercular infection in his bones
• At 25 he had to have his left leg
amputated and was told he
would lose his right leg also
• Recruited Dr. Joseph Lister, father
of antiseptic medicine, to save it
• He spent 20 months in the
hospital and wrote poems about
his experiences there

3. Henley
• In 1875 wrote “Invictus” but it was not published until
1892
• 1877 – began his editorial career in London and
published a few poems mainly in the journals he
edited
• 1887 – his poems were included in a popular series
“Canterbury Poets” and this brought him recognition
• 1888 – first poetry book A Book of Verses was
published
• He is believed to be the inspiration for the pegged-
legged pirate in Treasure Island by his friend Robert
Louis Stevenson

4. Invictus
• Invictus – Latin for unconquerable
• “night covers me” – night is symbolic for
darkness, depression, death
• “Black as the Pit” – the death pit is hell – can
be hell on earth
• “Pole to Pole” North – South Pole
• “I thank whatever gods may be” – uncertainty
of the existence of God – he trusts himself

5. Invictus
• “fell clutch” – fell is to knock down
• “clutch” – to grip – tighten – could be choked
• “circumstance” – life
• Life may challenging, choking him but he will
not turn away in pain or cry out (give up)
• “bludgeoning” – to beat or strike
• “chance” – life, destiny
• Although life is beating him and

6. Invictus
• Although life is beating him – many trials –
and his head is “bloody” – he is hurt
• But his head is also “unbowed” – he is proud
and will not give up
• “horror of the shade” – darkness and death
• “menace of the years” – the threat of death
• He will face it “unafraid” – not afraid of death,
of challenges

7. Invictus
• “strait the gate” – refers to The Bible New
Testament Mathew 7:14 “Strait is the gate
and narrow the way that leads to eternal life”
• The way is difficult and narrow
• “scroll” – the law
• “I am the captain of my fate” – reference to a
ship – his life is the ship and he is the captain,
he is in control of his life