Poem, Background, Historical Context, Characters

The Poem

Written by William Ernest Henly in 1875, Victorian England

He wrote it from his hospital bed after having his leg amputated

The poem has become important in pop culture and history- it will feature in the movie “Invictus” and was also recited by Timothy McVeigh- the Oklahoma City bomber before he was executed

The Poem Text Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,I thank whatever gods may beFor my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstanceI have not winced nor cried aloud.Under the bludgeonings of chanceMy head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tearsLooms but the Horror of the shade,And yet the menace of the yearsFinds and shall find me unafraid.

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.

Background on South Africa Originally colonized by the Dutch, who

brought their culture and language (Afrikaans), call themselves Afrikaners

The English fought the Dutch and took over South African in the Boer War

The system of Apartheid in South Africa was set up to maintain control and power of the whites in the country

Background on South Africa Apartheid lasted from 1948-1994 It oppressed blacks- made them

separate in all areas of life- medical, social, educational, etc, and their services were terrible compared to whites

It also bred hatred and violence, killings, rapes, hangings of blacks and many were put in jail, including Nelson Mandela

Background on South Africa

Background on South Africa Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27

for fighting for African rights He was released in 1990 and started to

talk with the government about ending Apartheid

“Invictus” The Movie Madiba was elected the first African

President in 1994 after all South Africans were considered equal (no more segregation).

Huge task to unite the country – Blacks not entirely “equal” and whites resisting an African government.

Used the Rugby World Cup as a way to unite the country, enter the film “Invictus”

“Invictus” The Movie

Starts in 1994 before the World Cup Nelson Mandela is president and trying

to reunite a very divided and chaotic country

Characters:Nelson Mandela- Morgan FreemanFrancis Pienaar- Matt DamonSouth African Team- SpringboksOpponents- New Zealand All Blacks