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'Free Will In William Henley's Invictus'

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Life does not wary for any that embark on this journey, just as time slows for no one. Each person learns lessons unique to their individual journey and chooses how to react. These actions ultimately lead to consequences. William Henley communicates the theme of one being in charge of one’s own fate, through simile, imagery, and the tone in his poem, “Invictus”. Henley expresses true triumph, determination and perseverance throughout his poem. He indicates that life is difficult and unpredictable but feels that nonetheless an individual is the captain of their own fate. He wants his readers to be inspired to find the strength to overcome life’s tragedies while reading his work.
Henley had led an excruciating life through the continuous struggle …show more content…

Henley addresses both emotions with the idea that as humans we fear fear in itself. He feels that this place is nothing but, “…wrath and tears” (Henly Line 9) and there is a, “…Horror of the shade,” (Henly Line 10) that stands over all. There is fear when one thinks of the unknown and that is evident with Henley’s use of the line, “And yet the menace of the years” (Henly Line 11). Simultaneously, Henley explains his strength and fearlessness with the idea that he is unafraid of the menace of the years.
Henley likes to share what he has learned from his trials through life with his writing. He does this by blatantly stating, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” (Henly Line 15-16). This is where the reader clearly visualizes the theme and Henley’s true emotion toward life. “Invictus” leaves readers with the idea that fate is ultimately in each person’s hands. Henley discovered through his life struggles that an individual is the only one to blame for the consequences that make an appearance in the life each person leads.
William E. Henley writes to inspire and share his fight for survival through this hard and trying journey. Throughout the poem, “Invictus”, it is clear that Henley feels an individual is the one person in charge of their fate and he does so by using simile, imagery and tone to successfully present

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