Chapter-2.1                            Invictus


1. Q: What is the meaning of the word “Invictus”?

A: “Invictus” means unconquered or undefeated.


2. Q: From which language is the word “Invictus” derived?

A: It is derived from the Latin language.


3. Q: What does the title of the poem “Invictus” signify?

A: It signifies the poet’s firm, fearless, and unconquerable spirit.


4. Q: What is the meaning of the word “Pit”?

A: “Pit” means a deep hole or a dark abyss.


5. Q: What does the “Pit” symbolize in the poem?

A: It symbolizes suffering, despair, and death.


6. Q: What does the word “Wrath” mean?

A: “Wrath” means anger or rage.


7. Q: In the poem, what does “Wrath” refer to?

A: It refers to the anger of Fate or God.


8. Q: What does “Fell clutch” mean?

A: It means cruel or wicked grasp.


9. Q: What is meant by “Fell clutch of circumstance”?

A: It means the cruel grip of circumstances.


10. Q: What is the meaning of “Bludgeonings”?

A: “Bludgeonings” means violent beatings with a club.


11. Q: What does the phrase “Bludgeonings of chance” suggest?

A: It suggests the harsh blows or challenges of life.


12. Q: What does the word “Winced” mean?

A: “Winced” means to flinch or shrink back in pain.


13. Q: Why does the poet “winced”?

A: Because he felt the pain of life but never gave up.


14. Q: What is the meaning of the word “Menace”?

A: “Menace” means threat or danger.


15. Q: What does “Menace of the years” mean in the poem?

A: It symbolizes the dangers and hardships of the coming years.


16. Q: What is the meaning of “Looms”?

A: “Looms” means to hang over or to appear as a threat.


17. Q: What is the meaning of “Horror of the shade looms”?

A: It means the fear of death or darkness hangs over the poet.


18. Q: What kind of adjective is “Fell” in the phrase “Fell clutch”?

A: “Fell” is a negative adjective meaning cruel or deadly.


19. Q: From which verb is “Bludgeonings” derived?

A: It is derived from the verb “bludgeon” (to strike with a club).


20. Q: What is the central idea of the poem “Invictus”?

A: The glory of human courage, strength, and unconquerable spirit.


21. Q: With what feeling is the word “Pit” associated?

A: It is associated with fear and despair.


22. Q: In what context is the word “Wrath” used in the poem?

A: It is used to express the anger or harshness of fate.


23. Q: What kind of emotion does “Menace” express in the poem?

A: It expresses fear and the threat of future difficulties.


24. Q: What situation in the poet’s life does “Looms” reflect?

A: It reflects the approach of death and darkness over his life.


25. Q: What do the words “Winced” and “Bludgeonings” reveal about the poet?

A: They reveal the poet’s pain, struggle, and endurance.


26. Q: Who is the author of the poem “Invictus”?

A: William Ernest Henley is the author.


27. Q: What is the poet’s mental state in “Invictus”?

A: The poet is strong, fearless, and confident.


28. Q: In the phrase “Fell clutch of circumstance,” what is the poet fighting against?

A: He is fighting against cruel and adverse circumstances.


29. Q: Despite the “Bludgeonings of chance,” what does the poet declare?

A: He declares that his head may be bloody but will never bow.


30. Q: What is the main message of the poem “Invictus”?

A: Man is the master of his fate and should never surrender, no matter the circumstances.

Answer by Dimpee Bora