Notes

Stanza 1: In the very beginning of the poem, the poet says that he wants to thank God. In fact, he admits that his life has no ray of hope. Rather his future seems to be as dark as a pit. But then also he is grateful to God for his ‘unconquerable soul’. He says that no pain can be able to curve his soul.
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. (Invictus)

Stanza 2: He claims that he was always invincible when he got into trouble. Circumstances have tried to destroy him, however, but he always fights back with courage, in fact he has even bled and suffered due to hardships, he admits. But he never let them bow their heads or cry in fear.

Stanza 3: the poet states that fear always creep behind him. But it doesn't always scare him. Whenever threats and problems came into his life, he bravely faced them.

Stanza 4: final stanza, Henry says that despite the gates of life are narrow, he will easily pass through them majestically. To do. He also claims to be the captain of his own soul.