... that Henley was to undergo leg amputation due to tuberculosis, "Invictus" is latin for 'unconquered' with its titular statement setting the underlying message of conviction throughout the poem. Henley crafts a distinctive image to the responder by projecting his emotions visually through words. The 1st stanza introduces the responder to a "night that covers" the persona, one ... are peripheral experiences compared to ones own self-mastery, resilience and conviction. Henley's determination to deconstruct our common notions of pain, suffering and importantly death continue to develop...

• Word Count: 857
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Graduate