preview

Comparing Invictus And Still I Rise

Decent Essays

“Still I Rise” written by Maya Angelou and “Invictus” written by William E. Henley, both share the theme of being strong even when all odds seem against one. However, both poets struggles are experienced in different ways. Henley’s struggle is inner while, Angelou is outer and how people see her. Overall, both poets still manage to somehow stay strong even in the faces of fears. “Still I Rise” written by Maya Angelou, explores the theme of Angelou’s strength and how nothing anyone says will be able to change who she is and how strong she is. The poem inspires one to never submit to what one thinks about them and to achieve their dreams by staying strong: "You may shoot me with your words, / You may cut me with your eyes, / You may kill me with your hatefulness, / But still, like air, I'll rise." (20-24). These quotes show Angelou’s attitude toward her doubter and how regardless of the way people look at her she will continue to strive and push to achieve all that she set her mind to. One should never give up on their dreams now be bother by anyone’s options towards them, as Angelou explained. People will always have something negative to say, it’s how one rises that matters. …show more content…

Henley explores the theme of having a brave face in the face of fear. Henley uses imagery and metaphors to describe the setting of his poem. The poem portrays Henley as a person who is struggling to succeed in a hard battle against the darkness and an untouchable sense of objects: “I thank whatever gods may be, For my unconquerable soul. / I have not winced nor cried aloud, Under the bludgeonings of chance, My head is bloody, but unbowed.” (2-4) (6-9). These quotes show how Henley seems to be oppressed but is still strong by not crying aloud, nor giving up. The theme of this poem is to not be weak and fearful, be strong even in the face of one’s

Get Access