Read the second stanza of the poem "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
What does the phrase "the fell clutch of circumstance" mean in the second stanza?
A. the planned events in life
B. the unexpected shift of power
C. the cruel actions of others
D. the brutal hold of fate
I think its C
No. Be sure to look up "circumstance" here: https://www.dictionary.com
Try again.
I disagree.
i'd say A?
The only other answer i could think itd be would be D
To determine the meaning of the phrase "the fell clutch of circumstance" in the second stanza, we can break it down and analyze its components.
First, let's examine the word "fell." In this context, "fell" is an adjective that means cruel, fierce, or dreadful. It suggests something that is harsh, severe, or intense.
Next, let's consider the word "clutch." A clutch can be seen as a grip or hold, typically with force. In this case, it represents a powerful grasp or a tight grip.
Finally, we have the word "circumstance," which refers to the situations, conditions, or events that occur in one's life.
Putting all these elements together, we can understand that "the fell clutch of circumstance" refers to the strong, harsh, and gripping nature of the challenging situations or events that the poet has encountered. It implies that the poet has endured difficult circumstances that could potentially bring him down, but he has not shown any signs of fear or weakness.
Now, let's analyze the answer choices:
A. the planned events in life: This does not align with the meaning of the phrase, as "fell clutch" implies something more intense and uncontrollable than planned events.
B. the unexpected shift of power: While "clutch of circumstance" suggests power or influence, the word "fell" indicates a cruel and harsh nature, rather than a mere shift of power.
C. the cruel actions of others: This option seems plausible, as the phrase implies that the "clutch of circumstance" is cruel or fierce. However, it is not specifically limited to the actions of others. It could encompass other challenging aspects of life.
D. the brutal hold of fate: This answer choice captures the meaning of the phrase accurately. "Circumstance" can be synonymous with "fate," and "fell clutch" conveys the brutal and relentless nature of the hold fate has on the poet.
Therefore, the correct answer is D. the brutal hold of fate.