Summary

The poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley presents the speaker’s determined attitude in the face of the suffering he seems to be constantly experiencing. Despite what he is going through, the speaker insists throughout the poem that he is capable of going on without complaining and that he can maintain control of who he is.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing gratitude for his soul, which cannot be conquered despite the darkness that surrounds him. The speaker then goes on to talk about the difficulties he faces and how, despite them, he remains defiant and strong. He finds himself in darkness, but he focuses on remaining true to himself instead of focusing on the negative experiences he is going through.

The speaker goes on to say that even though he has been through bad situations, he has never wavered or complained. Moreover, he claims that although he might have suffered because of all that is happening to him, he has remained undefeated.

Afterwards, the speaker confesses that he understands that beyond the suffering he is experiencing now there are ...