Question

invictus
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.

which theme is conveyed in this poem?
a the poem addresses the theme of the inevitability of death.
b the poem addresses the theme of the power of being unafraid.
c the poem addresses the theme of the many enduring mysteries of night and darkness.
d the poem addresses the theme of the strength of will necessary to survive severe tests in life.

Explanation:

The poem "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley emphasizes the strength of the human will to overcome life's challenges. Lines like "I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul" and the overall tone show the importance of willpower in facing hardships. Option D states the poem addresses the strength of will necessary to survive severe tests in life, which aligns with the poem's theme. Option A is incorrect as the poem isn't mainly about death's inevitability. Option B is wrong as it's not about heavy sacrifices. Option C is incorrect as the poem doesn't focus on ending mysteries of night and day.

Answer:

D. The poem addresses the theme of the strength of will necessary to survive severe tests in life.