ENGLISH 3 REACTION PAPER / YROGIROG, ESLIT, OLASIMAN

INVICTUS
ON THE LITERATURE
OF
WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY

AUTHORED BY:

John Kelly Yrogirog, Karl Lawrence Eslit,

Jirah Olasiman
INVICTUS | ON THE LITERATURE OF WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY

OUTLINE:

I. Introduction: Formulating an initial response to the subject matter, capturing

personal thoughts and emotions to establish a foundation for the subsequent
reflection.
A. A Brief Overview of “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley.
B. The Reaction Paper’s Mission Statement.

II. “Invictus” : Exploring the themes, messages, and impact of the poem by
William Ernest Henley, delving into its powerful verses and uncovering the
resilience and determination portrayed within.
A. A Technical Overview of “Invictus”, Structure, Style, and Literary
Elements.
B. The Key Themes and Messages of the Poem.
C. Comparing “Invictus” to other Thematically Similar Poems.
D. Historical & Cultural Context of “Invictus”.

III. Conclusory Reactions: Summarising personal reflections and responses to the

discussed material, drawing conclusions based on the insights gained
throughout the reaction paper.
A. An Opinion from John Kelly G. Yrogirog.
B. An Opinion from Karl Lawrence Eslit.
C. An Opinion from Jirah Olasiman.
D. Overall Conclusion of the Reaction Paper.

IV. References: Documenting and acknowledging the sources consulted during the
reaction paper, ensuring academic integrity and providing a foundation for
further exploration of the discussed topics.
A. Necessary Citations Used by the Reaction Paper.

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INVICTUS | ON THE LITERATURE OF WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY

I. Introduction
A. A Brief Overview of “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley.

The subject of this paper, William Ernest Henley's poem "Invictus", is a powerful exploration
of resilience, determination, and the indomitable nature of the spirit of humanity. Penned and
captured within the midst of personal adversity, Henley's verses have resonated through the years,
capturing the essence of overcoming great challenges with unwavering strength. In this reaction paper,
we delve into the profound impact of "Invictus", examining its themes, unravelling the poet's expert
use of linguistics, and sharing personal reflections on the emotions it evokes.

As we unravel the story of "Invictus," we find ourselves drawn to the speaker's defiant attitude
in the midst of life's many trials. This paper seeks to express the intended responses, and our own,
elicited by the poem, exploring the ways in which its words echo our own experiences. Beyond a mere
analysis of literary elements, our aim is to explore the universal themes that make "Invictus" not just a
poem, but a timeless anthem of resilience.

B. The Reaction Paper’s Mission Statement.

This group moves on this journey of interpretation as authors John Kelly Yrogirog, Karl
Lawrence Eslit, and Jirah Olasiman, each bringing a unique perspective to the table. "Invictus" has
served as an opportunity for reflection and discussion, and we encourage readers to join us in
unravelling the layers of Henley's masterwork and uncovering the enduring strength related within its
verses through this paper.

In the following pages, we will go in-depth on "Invictus," blending literary analysis with
personal observations to build a significant reaction to this literary masterpiece. As we go through
Henley's verses, we ask readers to engage on an introspective journey, reflecting on their own
experiences with adversity and resilience.

II. “Invictus”
A. A Technical Overview of “Invictus”, Structure, Style, and Literary Elements.

The poem, “Invictus” exhibits a structured and stylistic brilliance that contributes to its
enduring impact. Structured into four quatrains with an ABAB-CDCD-EFEF-GG rhyme scheme, the
poem follows iambic tetrameter, creating a rhythmic and balanced composition. Henley’s concise
language and direct expression lend clarity to each line, eliminating unnecessary double meanings that
may damage the integrity and message that the poem attempts to convey. Metaphorical Imagery, such
as the “fell clutch of circumstance” and “bludgeonings of chance”, vividly depicts life’s hardships. The
title itself, meaning unconquered, serves as a powerful symbol encapsulating the poem’s central theme.
Repetition, as seen in phrases like “fell clutch” and “head…bloody”, adds a musical quality. The poem’s
parallel structure, particularly in the repetition of “I am,” reinforces the speaker’s sense of self and
agency. Despite describing darkness and challenges, the poem maintains a positive tone, conveying a
message of success and empowerment. "Invictus" stands as a testament to Henley's mastery of form
and style, combining technical precision with expressive language to convey a timeless message of
inner strength and resilience.

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INVICTUS | ON THE LITERATURE OF WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY

B. The Key Themes and Messages of the Poem.

The Poem “Invictus” is first and foremost a message to the people, that is, it is about the
indomitable nature of the human spirit and the innate ability of an individual to overcome life’s
challenges. With its key themes revolving around the resilience and determination of the human spirit,
and how it emphasises the individual and their place within their story, assuming agency over their
own fate and destiny.

From the very title itself, that is “Invictus”, from the archaic Latin language, it is clear from the
start that the poem is about the unconquerable or undefeatable nature of humanity. The persistence of
the speaker exemplifies the qualities that the poem wishes to show. His motives are intentionally
hidden, such that the common denizen be given the fact that such an immeasurable level of willpower
need not meet the requirements of a grandiose design, but instead give the reader reasonable ground
to assume that he is going through life for life’s sake, and of his own.

It is a powerful story, one that sets its principles in stone, that though oft may the path of life be
clouded and littered with obstacles that it should not burden the challenger, but rather enlighten and
further motivate the persons. Whereas many are chained to the seemingly undefeatable and apathetic
nature of life and the universe, “Invictus” wishes to convey that those chains are merely the product of
one’s own belief, and that given the opportunity, all of mankind is more than capable of reaching their
own self-identified apex.

C. Comparing “Invictus” to other Thematically Similar Poems.

“Invictus” is not the first of its kind, nor is it the last. Many similar works are renowned
throughout the world for giving inspiration to those who read. For example, “Still I Rise” by Maya
Angelou, a women’s rights activist during America’s 50s and 60s, showcases the need for people to rise
to the given task, that it matters not if it is your own people who spit and deny you. “How Did You Die”
is another poem, stating to the viewer that the greatest failure in life is to deny yourself the ability to
reach your apex.

However, we believe that “Invictus” sets itself apart in that it goes to great lengths to convey the
message with lines that mention bludgeoning, inciting the vivid imagery of a bloody battle, among
other such examples. Undoubtedly, its popularity is far more recognizable, owing to its use of
exaggerations and its overall message, contrasting many poems in their apparent pessimistic nature.

D. Historical & Cultural Context of “Invictus”.

Key to understanding a story is to realise what conditions and context the story itself was made
in to truly understand what the author was trying to say to their readers. In 1867 AD, Henley was
suffering from tubercular arthritis, causing necrosis to the bone. He had the left leg amputated, to
which the doctors then followed through with the premise that they may have to remove his right leg
too. At which point, Henley sought Joseph Lister, a pioneer in antiseptics, and was determined to keep
his remaining leg attached.

It is there on the hospital bed he gained the inspiration to write Invictus. It is there he saw a
mountain, a mountain so high many would be too afraid to climb it, he instead defied his own
inhibitions and climbed this metaphorical mountain, beating the infection and indeed keeping his right
leg. It should be noted that Henley chose not to publish these poems in his Collection In Hospital, but
instead in Echoes, as it did not fit the overall theme of the former. [1]

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INVICTUS | ON THE LITERATURE OF WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY

III. Conclusory Reactions

A. An Opinion From John Kelly Yrogirog

“Invictus” beautifully showcases the determination and spirit of humanity when pushed to its
limits. Where many would give up Henley tells us to be determined to continue on our journey and
path, and to remain unfazed by the challenges that lie ahead. The poem captures this almost
indescribable feeling of resolution in the action that you will move forward regardless of what is ahead.
The words that make up the lines in the stanzas are excellently chosen, and the emotion imbued in the
piece seems to resound even through the years. Personally, “Invictus” is one of a kind, a great poem
with a, befitting its namesake, undefeatable message of hope, determination, perseverance, and
resoluteness.

B. An Opinion from Karl Lawrence Eslit.

In “Invictus”, Henley demonstrates a correct choice of words, each laden in profound meaning
that contributes to the poem’s overall impact. The opening lines “Out of the night that covers me, /
Black as the pit from pole to pole”, employ vivid language to characterise the speaker’s journey
through life’s challenges. The word “pit” evokes a sense of darkness and struggle, setting the tone for
the resilience theme. Additionally, the phrase “fell clutch of circumstance” employs the word “fell” to
convey the harsh and oppressive nature of life’s challenges. Throughout the poem, Henley carefully
selects words to paint a vivid picture of the speaker’s defiance in the face of adversity. The repetition of
“unconquerable” in the phrase “For my unconquerable soul” emphasises the theme of resilience, while
the choice of “captain” in “I am the captain of my soul” reinforces the idea of personal agency and
control over one’s destiny. Henley’s deliberate use of language elevates “Invictus” beyond a mere
composition; it becomes a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit/soul.

C. An Opinion from Jirah Olasiman.

William Ernest Hensley expectedly delivers with his poem “Invictus”, with emotion so
thoroughly imbued within the piece, it’s no surprise that it’s very popular. Whilst not the perfect poem,
the message and key themes are inspiring to those who read it. The emphasis on humanism and
resilience within an individual was the highlight of the piece, and it truly was a brilliant work of art that
would take someone as well-versed in the arts as Henley to make.

D. Overall Conclusion of the Reaction Paper.

Overall, the group believes “Invictus” was a beautifully written piece that explores the
foundation of human nature and its, as said before, indomitable spirit. It’s no wonder why it’s such a
popular work considering the emotion imbued and the words chosen. All throughout the story there is
a clearly elicited feeling of hope, even through the downfall and muddy waters that plague the poem’s
speaker’s path to life. Overall, it was a great read and a poem that truly lives up to its name.

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INVICTUS | ON THE LITERATURE OF WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY

V. References:
[0]

LaMonica, C. (2020, June 15). INVICTUS . . .A POEM FREQUENTLY RECITED BY NELSON MANDELA

- World View. World View.

https://worldview.unc.edu/news-article/invictus/#:~:text=Invictus%2C%20meaning%20un

conquerable%20or%20undefeated,English%20poet%20William%20Ernest%20Henley

[1]

Invictus Triangle Highlights : NYC Parks. (n.d.-c).

https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/invictus-triangle/history#:~:text=I%20am%20the%20ca

ptain%20of%20my%20soul.&text=This%20triangle%20takes%20its%20name,when%20hospi

talization%20often%20meant%20death.

[2]

Invictus by William Ernest Henley | Poem, analysis & Significance - video & lesson

transcript | Study.com. (n.d.). study.com.

https://study.com/academy/lesson/invictus-by-william-ernest-henley-meaning-analysis.html

[3]

Jenson, J. (2023, December 6). Invictus by William Ernest Henley. Poem Analysis.

https://poemanalysis.com/william-ernest-henley/invictus/

________________________ ________________________ ________________________

JOHN KELLY YROGIROG KARL LAWRENCE ESLIT JIRAH OLASIMAN
AUTHOR AUTHOR AUTHOR