Read or listen to the poem. Then select the statements that describe
how the rhyme scheme affects the reader.
"Invictus" - by William Ernest Henley, 1888
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may bè
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.
A. The consistent, measured
rhyme scheme shows that
this poem is a sonnet.
B. Each stanza of the poem
feels like a complete
thought because of the
consistent alternating
pattern.
C. The alternating rhyme
scheme makes this poem
easy to memorize and has
contributed to its popularity.
D. The rhyme scheme
reinforces the author's
theme that people get older
and life is hard.
The rhyme scheme of a poem refers to the pattern of rhyming words at the end of each line. To analyze the rhyme scheme of a poem, you need to look for repeated patterns of rhyme. In the case of "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley, the rhyme scheme is not consistent throughout the poem. However, the last two lines of each stanza share a rhyme, giving the poem a sense of structure.
Now, let's evaluate the statements that describe how the rhyme scheme affects the reader:
A. The consistent, measured rhyme scheme shows that this poem is a sonnet.
This statement is not accurate. "Invictus" does not have a consistent, measured rhyme scheme that would categorize it as a sonnet. A sonnet typically follows a specific rhyme scheme and structure, which "Invictus" does not adhere to.
B. Each stanza of the poem feels like a complete thought because of the consistent alternating pattern.
This statement is not entirely accurate either. While it is true that the last two lines of each stanza share a rhyme, providing a sense of closure for each stanza, it does not necessarily mean that each stanza feels like a complete thought. The content of each stanza contributes to the overall theme and narrative of the poem, making it a cohesive whole.
C. The alternating rhyme scheme makes this poem easy to memorize and has contributed to its popularity.
This statement could be seen as true. The alternating rhyme scheme in "Invictus" (ABAB CDCD EFEF GHGH) creates a memorable and rhythmic pattern. This characteristic may contribute to its popularity and make it easier for the reader to remember and recite.
D. The rhyme scheme reinforces the author's theme that people get older and life is hard.
This statement is incorrect. The rhyme scheme does not directly reinforce the author's theme in "Invictus." The poem's theme revolves around resilience, inner strength, and the ability to overcome adversity, rather than solely focusing on the concept of aging or life's difficulties.
Based on the analysis, statement C is the most accurate description of how the rhyme scheme affects the reader of "Invictus."