Question

as you read, take notes on the poems form and how it contributes to the tone of the speaker.
(1) out of the night that covers me,
black as the pit from pole to pole,
i thank whatever - gods may be
for my unconquerable soul.
(2) in the fell clutch of circumstance
i have not winced nor cried aloud.
under the bludgeonings of chance
my head is bloody, but unbowed.
(3) beyond this place of wrath and tears
looms but the horror of the shade,
and yet the menace of the years
finds and shall find me unafraid.
(4) it matters not how strait the gate,
how charged with punishments the scroll,
i am the master of my fate,
i am the captain of my soul.
invictus by william ernest henley is in the public domain.
assessment questions

1. how does the poems use of darkness in its imagery contribute to the texts overall meaning?

a. the poem describes night covering the earth from \pole to pole\ (line 2), suggesting that the speakers outlook on the world is very bleak and hopeless.
b. the poem describes
ight\ (line 1) covering the speaker, symbolic of the adversity and/or suffering he faces.
c. the poem describes \the horror of the shade\ (line 10), suggesting that the speakers hard times are only temporary.
d. the poem describes a dark \place of wrath and tears\ (line 9), implying that the speaker is overcome by his depression.

Explanation:

The poem uses "night" and other dark - related imagery like "the Horror of the shade" as symbols. Night covering the speaker symbolizes the adversity and suffering he endures. The speaker remains unafraid despite these, showing resilience.

Answer:

B. The poem describes "night" (line 1) covering the speaker, symbolic of the adversity and/or suffering he faces.