ipl-logo

Perseverance In Henley's Poem 'Invictus'

975 Words4 Pages

The theme of this paper is perseverance. To help me demonstrate, I will be using the poem “Invictus”, written by William Ernest Henley. Initially, I relate to “Invictus” because it inspires me. Next, “Invictus” speaks of overcoming obstacles. Lastly, I know what adversity feels like, and “Invictus” shows that I am not alone. “Invictus” is a poem that I can relate to when thinking about where I am and where I am heading. Even when things seem their darkest, there is always hope. First, “Invictus” inspires me. Invictus is Latin and translates into unconquered. W. E. H. had his left leg amputated due to tuberculosis of the bone at the young age of 17. His current doctor advised that he may lose his other leg. Henley found a savior in Doctor Joseph Lister. Dr. Lister treated William for two years and saved his remaining appendage. “I am the master of fate: I am the captain of my soul (Henley).” This one sentence by William Henley shows us to stand rather than lay down.
We all have a story and everyone has something to contribute. My classmate, Jabari, is constantly …show more content…

My family and I had very little when I was growing up. My worst nightmare, as a child, was powdered milk; powdered milk is chalked full of calcium and vitamins that every growing child needs but forgoes every natural taste that any child wants. I remember begging my mother, “Why can’t we have real milk?” and her reply, “Would you rather have water in your cereal?” As a military brat, I was moved around a lot. It was difficult to make friends because you never knew how long you might stay, but it allowed me to find friends in strangers. This refers me to, “I thank whatever gods may be for my unconquerable soul (Henley).” Henley does not seem to be monotheistic but he does appear to believe that something guides his actions or controls his fate. I share his sentiment. Sometimes the toughest hurdles, to overcome, are not done

Show More
Related

  • Dear Mom Ethos Pathos Logos

    243 Words  | 1 Pages

    A quote from the poem that displays this idea using pathos is “my friend fought in a battle in which he lost an arm and a

    Read More

  • Comparing Columbus And Lindbergh's Discovery

    957 Words  | 4 Pages

    This vision was seen in the man who, despite all challenges and resistance, sailed into dangerous uncharted waters with nothing but his own faith. It is also shared,

    Read More

  • Long Walk To Water Quotes

    827 Words  | 4 Pages

    The text follows a lost boy who was sucked into a perilous journey and facing situations where a split second could be the difference between life and death. This essay will be about how Salva, the main character in Linda Sue Park’s A Long Walk to Water is able to survive and overcome a variety of challenges through his hard work, relationships, and perseverance. Salva survives the first few challenges because of his hard work. Readers learn that hard work saves Salva’s life when he is left alone in the barn by a group of refugees but labors for the woman who own’s the barn so as not to burden her.

    Read More

  • The Author's Struggle In Steelheart By Brandon Sanderson

    840 Words  | 4 Pages

    Brandon Sanderson’s science fiction novel, “Steelheart,” takes place in a post-apocalyptic universe packed with complex problems that many normal humans are not willing to solve. The cities are packed with creatures known as epics that are very similar to humans that have acquired special powers David, the protagonist in the story, is put in a very tough situation and hopes to overcome the what seems to be the greatest obstacle, defeating Steelheart the most powerful and evil epic of all. One theme that this book suggests is that although some of life's struggle may make people want to give up on their desires, through belief and perseverance they are able to overcome greater obstacles. Sanderson uses Author's craft frequently through the

    Read More

  • A Wrinkle In Time Essay

    548 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the last paragraph of the poem “A Man” he talks about his loss of an arm and what hardships it will cause him but then refutes it by saying: “from that moment on, he set himself to do everything with twice as much enthusiasm”(page 56 lines 15-16). Even though he has lost his arm he doesn't lose hope or shrink back. He stays true in his will to keep going and doesn't lose courage.

    Read More

  • Resilience In The Street And Los Angeles Notebook

    1195 Words  | 5 Pages

    To strengthen resilience, we need to exercise it like a muscle. But to what extent should we exercise resilience and what happens to human emotional wellbeing when the fatigued muscle is overworked? In Anne Petry’s novel, The Street, and Joan Didian’s essay, “Los Angeles Notebook”, the authors both use literary devices to show how adversity can affect people; however, Petry uses imagery of debris, diction that evokes a sense of frustration, and personification that shows the resilience of humans in times of intense, short-term adversity, while Didian uses Imagery that incites an ominous mood, Pathetic fallacy, and syntax that shows how drastically repeated, prolonged adversity can affect people. Petry shows, through the use of imagery, that garbage and debris can symbolize the hardship that each person encounters.

    Read More

  • The Similarities Between Invictus And Anthem

    772 Words  | 4 Pages

    Similarities Between Anthem and Invictus Hardships are an inevitable part of living; however, our response to such hardships carries a greater significance. In Anthem by Ayn Rand and William Henley's “Invictus,” there is a portrayal of main characters that similarly challenge oppressive external factors. These works illustrate the strength of individuality and the importance of self-determination. Even though the works are represented in different ways, they deliver the same message: Characters are at a dark place in their lives, they determine not to give up, and they both convey the message of being unconquerable. Both works illustrate characters at a dark place in their lives.

    Read More

  • Paul Laurence Dunbar Poem

    1082 Words  | 5 Pages

    Paul Laurence Dunbar is known as one of America’s early and most well-known African American writers. He not only has many published poems, but also short stories, essays, and novels as well. He began writing early in his life, and in 1889 was editor of the Dayton Tattler, a newspaper published by the famed Orville Wright who, with his brother, invented the airplane. Though the newspaper was short lived, for Dunbar to be in such a position as a young African American during this time was a clear sign of his intelligence and talent.

    Read More

  • Overcoming Obstacles In Seabiscuit

    613 Words  | 3 Pages

    “We had to rebuild him, both mentally and physically, but you don't have to rebuild the heart when it's already there” (Seabiscuit). In the story Seabiscuit written by Laura Hillenbrand, obstacles are an everyday aspect, whether it’s mental or physical. Seabiscuit had grown up with many of each, being misunderstood and considered lazy. When in the hands of a man named Tom Smith, Seabiscuit was able to overcome obstacles that he had created for himself. With the help of people that understood him Seabiscuit was able to shine like the star they knew he could become.

    Read More

  • Literary Analysis Essay On The Scarlet Ibis

    867 Words  | 4 Pages

    I did not know then that pride is a wonderful, terrible thing, a seed that bears two vines, life and death” (p.558). With these words, the Narrator reflects on the events and the insights that he gained

    Read More

  • Importance Of Adversity In Hamlet

    898 Words  | 4 Pages

    Adversity can take us by surprise, but everyone at some point in life experiences it. The way our personal identity can be shaped is through our phases of adversity. The experiences of dealing with difficulties can shape the way we view life and the actions that will show our persona. When we persevere adversity and obstacles it shows our reputation and our true type of identity. In the play Hamlet, William Shakespeare, illustrates the way Hamlet, as well as other characters, deal with adversity through the types of motives they are seeking.

    Read More

  • Hard Rock Returns To Prison Analysis

    808 Words  | 4 Pages

    The surgical operation he had gone in his forehead makes him lose his status as a hero in the emotional reaction of despair as other prisoners watch. In analyzing this poem, the main point of focus is that the poet achieves a contemplative mood by listing surface events that are emotional in nature. Looking at the structure of the poem first, the poem has 42 lines or sentences. Most of the sentences are complicated with the poem employing the use of verb-nouns in a normal way. The poet also includes some enjambment, some end-stopped lines and a title that precisely explains what is going on in the poem.

    Read More

  • Why Is Perseverance Important

    1073 Words  | 5 Pages

    “Perseverance isn’t one long race; it is many short races one after the other.” - Walter Elliot. When someone is facing their idea of impossible, they must overcome many small bumps in the road and when they get over that small bump it can make them believe in themselves and make them stronger as a person. But perseverance can be well worth it in the end. Through determination, we can learn why perseverance is essential to making us stronger both mentally and emotionally, but we can’t just understand why but also how perseverance help in making us the strongest people we can be.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Perseverance In The Old Man And The Sea

    1249 Words  | 5 Pages

    One of the themes in the novel, The Old Man and the Sea, is that one should persevere even in the most challenging situations. The old man’s, Santiago’s, lone struggle with the fishes and the forces of nature over a period of almost three months demonstrated an almost mythical persistence. The purpose of this essay is to evaluate whether this theme has any value compared to God’s word. The Bible often discusses the theme of perseverance in the midst of adversity. Even though one views Santiago’s endurance and tenacity with admiration, the root causes of that perseverance is different from the reasons for a Christian’s perseverance in the world.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Disabled And The Bright Lights Of Sarajevo

    982 Words  | 4 Pages

    In the poems “Disabled” by Wilfred Owen and “The Bright Lights of Sarajevo” by Tony Harrison, both poems present the truths of war. However, both differ in terms of setting and contrast that help depicts the similarities between their theme. Disabled takes place within World War I as Owen vividly describes the subject’s amputation, but the poem is centered around the subject’s adjustment to civilian life after war. In The Bright Lights of Sarajevo although Harrison discusses the consequences of partaking in war in the town, he illustrates the way in which life goes on regardless the horrific impact. Through use of setting and contrast, both poets contribute to presenting the theme of the realities of war.

    Read More

More about Perseverance In Henley's Poem 'Invictus'

Open Document