“Invictus” Worksheet
Name__________________________
English I hour___________
Directions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Read the poem
Jot down (#1 on the back) a summary of what the poem means
Re-read the poem, circle repeated words and phrases
Jot down (#2 on the back) why these words/phrases are repeated
Re-read the poem, put a box around words that show emotion
Draw a line through the poem where you think there are emotional
shifts
7. Jot down (#3 on the back) why you think the emotion/tone shifts
8. Jot down (#4 on the back) what you believe to be the theme of the poem
9. Go back and find evidence of the theme. Put a star by places that are
evidence of the theme
10.Finally, jot down (#5 on the back) connections between the poem and
Anthem.
Invictus
BY WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY
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.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
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.
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.
1.
Summary ____________________________________________________________________
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2.
Why words/phrases are repeated__________________________________________________
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3. Why emotion/tone shifts_________________________________________________________
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4. Theme____________________________________________________________________
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5. Connections between poem and Anthem____________________________________________
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