Raintree 6 Invictus

 Summary: Invictus

In the first stanza of the poem, it is night time and darkness covers everything in

black. The night then becomes a symbol of hopelessness and the speaker feels as

though the future cannot be seen. The black pit suggests that the speaker is very sad

about his situation but he also thanks god for a soul that refuses to be defeated.

In the second stanza, the speaker says that despite being in a terrible situation, they

didn't once give in or show signs of weakness. He says that despite being battered

and wounded, there is still no self-pitying bow of the head. The head is still held high.

In the third stanza, the speaker looks into the future, taking into account all the

anger and pain associated with life on earth. But again, he says that he will not give

up. The speaker has a clear intention—to survive against all the odds.

In the final stanza, the speaker affirms that all of us have control over what happens

in our lives. The way our lives end up depends on how we deal with hardships and

setbacks and that no one else can impact our lives better than we can.

The poem's message is universal in its appeal. It says that it doesn't matter who you

are. You can overcome dark times by being brave and never losing faith in your own

soul's strength.

POEM INVICTUS

Comprehension

A. 1. The speaker wants to thank god for his unconquerable soul.

2. The last line of the first stanza, describes his soul as ‘unconquerable’, implying that he would not

give up very easily. The last line of the second stanza also mentions his head to be ‘unbowed’. In

the third stanza, in the last line, he speaks of himself as ‘unafraid’. Further, the last two lines of the

last stanza, speaks of him as ‘a master’, who is ‘the captain’ of his own soul. This gives the impression

of a valiant and undaunted person who decides never to give up.

3. The speaker says that even in his old age he will remain unafraid.

4. Yes, he does because he does now give up even when faced with great difficulties.

B. 1. a. The speaker may have suffered both physically and mentally as the poem mentions a ‘bloody

head’ that can be both literal as well as metaphorical.

 b. He takes pride in the fact that he managed to show great courage during all these years

when he neither winced nor cried aloud. He also thanks God for saving his unconquerable

soul.

2. a. Yes, the speaker believes in what he says. Throughout the poem, the speaker shows great

courage and the will to fight. This is what he repeats in each stanza of the poem.

 b. The last two lines of the poem contain the central/core message of the poem. The speaker is

bold and declares his unwillingness to give up easily. He prefers to fight till the very end of his

life, as he says that he alone has the power to decide his fate—that he will choose what his life

will be like and that he fight to make sure he lives a good life.

C. 1. The first line of the second stanza mentions the words ‘clutch’ and ‘circumstance’. This is an example

of alliteration. ‘Bloody, but unbowed’ is another

2. Free Response

INVICTUS POEM

A. Answer in brief.

Which stanza from the poem ‘Invictus’ refers to death? Explain the reference.

 Ans: The third stanza takes a darker turn, for the speaker refers to an afterlife that is death. The

speaker says here that he is aware that what he has endured in this life is nothing compared to what

lies ahead in the ‘shade’ which is a reference to death. He again tells his readers that he does not fear

anything. The speaker emphasises that he will remain fearless, even in the face of death and what

comes after.

B. Answer in detail.

Invictus means unconquerable. How does this title justify the poem?

 Ans: Despite being in a hopeless state, the speaker has not given in, but is thankful to the gods for

giving him a soul that remains unconquerable. The speaker adds that despite being in the clutches of

such unfortunate circumstances, he has not complained and has held his head high.

Death looms large as he is growing older. In spite of this he remains unafraid.

 Fate has scripted punishments for him but these things do not matter because he is the master of his

own fate and controls his life and nothing can break this spirit as he will always be positive and will

continue to persevere.

C. Read the lines and answer the questions.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

a. What is the speaker referring to?

b. What does the second line mean?

c. How would you describe the speaker?

Ans: a. The speaker in referring to his undying spirit against all odds.

 b. The second line means that he is hurt and is suffering but he would rather endure the pain

than surrender.

 c. The speaker is a courageous man who is strong in mind and body.

D. Answer in brief. (Think and Answer)

What kind of a victory is the poet describing in the poem Invictus?

 Ans: The poet is describing a spiritual victory in being able to accept ill health and to cope with it. It

needs moral courage to make the best of a trying physical condition and to face not only life but also

death with calmness.