My assignment:

Invictus

A. Invictus was written by William Ernest Henley in 1875, while he underwent medical
treatment for tuberculosis of the bone. Originally the fourth part of a longer sequence
published in Henley's collection In Hospital this 16-line section has taken on a life of its own.
The unwavering resilience it summons in the face of adversity has led to its enduring popularity
and use in a variety of contexts. The poem's uncertain relationship with religion and its
insistence on individual strength also ties it to issues facing England in the late 19th century.

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-ernest-henley/invictus
B. In my own perspective, I think there are 4 selves in the poem. When you read the poem you
will noticed that each stanzas have different selves. Like the first one, this person is surrounded
by the darkness but he overcame it and keep going in life and find light. The second one, this
person encountered many circumstances in life but he is still hopeful. The third one, thinks that
he can’t prevent what circumstances will happens in the future. The approaching years must be
ready to find the person unafraid and ready to face the hardship. The last one, he is the captain
of his own life, whatever he encountered in life he didn't bother because is the captain of his
soul.
C. The ideas of Socrates. Every person in composed of body and soul. There is an imperfect and
impermanent aspect of every one of us which is our physical body and there is also the perfect
and permanent which is our soul. Just like in the poem invictus, Henley is unconcerned about
how difficult life becomes beyond the present of rage and sadness.
D. My idea about the self is a journey into a difficult situation. It is focused on the human spirit
and it’s ability to overcome adversity. It is a rallying cry for those who find themselves in dark
and trying situations, who have to dig deep and fight for their lives. The self is how you control
your fate and decided for your future.