LIFE IN THE IMMANENCE OF DEATH

INWilliam Henley’s

INVICTUS

FOCUS QUESTION

In times of problems and

challenges, what does God expect

us to do?

William Ernest Henley Born William Ernest Henley August 23,

1849 in Gloucester. He was the eldest of a family of six

children and a pupil from Crypt Grammar School.

From the age of 12 Henley was diagnosed having tuberculosis of the bone. The disease progressed to his foot and physicians announced that the only way to save his life was to amputate directly below the knee. It was amputated when he was 17.

He continue his life after the tragic experience in his life and died on July 11, 1903 at the age of 53

He wrote his poem Invictus to demonstrate his resilience in following his amputation of his foot.

He also wrote the poem “Margaritae Sorori” expounding his acceptance of pain and death from his experience.

Some of his works are the “Macaire” “Pro Rege Nostro” which is a patriotic poem. Most of his works follows the same sentiments, which is pain and sorrow.

His best known poem was “INVICTUS”

ELEMENTS OF POETRYSOUND

AssonanceBlack as the Pit from pole to pole

RhymeOut of the night that covers me, (a)Black as the Pit from pole to pole, (b)I thank whatever gods may be (a)For my unconquerable soul. (b)

ELEMENTS OF POETRYII. SOUND

Repetition I am the master of my fate:I am the captain of my soul.

ELEMENTS OF POETRYIII. STRUCTURE

4 quatrians Syllabic meter (8 syllables per line) End rhyme Iambic tetrameter

Schematic Framework

man? Man

PROBLEMS

Adaptation (words, action,

thoughts)

Theoretical Underpinnings

Phase 1 Historical BiographicalHenley’s experience with the tuberculosis was

presented in the poem in which he revealed his own insights and feelings when he was conquering with his illness and his success in overcoming the problem despite of merely putting his foot unto his own grave from amputating his foot.

Phase 2 ExistentialismThe choice of Henley to continue living and write

poems gives him a new essence and title in his life. As a poet and a man who have SURVIVED.

Phase 3 StructuralismA repetition of lines and words denotes emphasis

and meaning, like in the last couplet of the poem.I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

Phase 3 Moral PhilosophicalLife’s difficulties after passing through it, makes you

as a someone and makes you learn something and thus makes you believe in something.

What does God expect us in times of difficulties?

THEME

“Life is full of inevitable challenges. Thus, we must do what God is

expecting us to do ----FIGHT!”

Consummatum

Est!