Staying True

Essay Question

William Ernest Henley’s Invictus deals with the theme of how it is important to stay true to our identity. Look again at this poem, and at one other poem from the Identity anthology which also deals with the theme of how it is important to stay true to our identity.

With close reference to the ways each poet uses language, compare and contrast what the speakers in the poems say about the theme of how it is important to stay true to our identity You should include relevant contextual material.

Introduction

Both “Invictus” and “Effacé” by Paul Maddern explore the importance of staying true to your identity. In Henley’s “Invictus”, the speaker describes his unwavering self-determination and fearless confidence, adamant that he won’t give up in the difficult times he faces. The speaker believes this is crucial to his identity and he remains undaunted by fate throughout the poem. By contrast, in Maddern’s “Effacé”, the speaker ponders the absurdity of his old fantasies and gradually comes to terms with his sexuality and true identity. In this way, both poems demonstrate the importance of recognising your true identity because it is the only way to find happiness.

Titles

The titles of the poem suggest two very different identities. “Invictus” is Latin for “unconquerable” and it becomes immediately apparent from the first stanza that this is how the speaker defines himself. The title conveys the courage and fortitude the speaker shows when confronted with adversity and it highlights that he will be “unbowed” and “unafraid” no matter what life throws at him. The confident diction of “Invictus” creates a forceful and resilient tone which underlines the speaker’s intention to show strength and stoicism despite the hardships he endures.

In contrast to the strong declaration of the speaker’s identity the title “Invictus” represents, “Effacé” suggests the speaker is more uncertain about his identity because it is a French word which means to erase. It is also a ballet term that defines the shaded position of a ballet dancer’s upper body and head, while their legs would appear open from the audience’s seats. This suggests the speaker may be hiding and repressing certain aspects of his identity. The title indicates the speaker may be trying to erase the memory of the women he once loved. Effacé also connotes the speaker’s sadness that he has been erased from the life of his former love interest. These uncertainties are an important aspect of finding your true identity.

In terms of context, when Henley’s poem was published in “The Oxford Book of English Verse” in 1900, the editor of the volume, Arthur Quiller-Couch, gave it the title “Invictus”. However, it perfectly describes the unconquerable attitude towards life the poet demonstrated when he had his leg amputated below the knee because of his tuberculosis of the bone. Henley wrote the poem during his difficult recovery. The title “Effacé” also points to its autobiographic origins. Maddern studied ballet at Queen’s University, Ontario, where he became infatuated with Nora. The poem is dedicated to her. Therefore, both titles reveal how it is the poets who are trying to stay true to their own identities.

Experiences

Everyone experience difficult situations or choices and it is how we handle them that will define our identity. In both “Invictus” and “Effacé”, the speakers experience a type of suffering which impacts on their identity. The anguish of speaker in “Invictus” is evident in the simile comparing the “night” to “Black as the Pit”. The capitalisation of “Pit” strongly suggests he believes he is in a living hell that seems inescapable. His despair is reinforced by the plosive alliteration and repetition in “pole to pole”, suggesting to the reader that the entire world, from north to south, is in darkness. However, despite everything that is happening to him, he remains “unafraid” and resolute he will not be defeated. This is clear in the first stanza by the way he “thanks” the “gods” for his “unconquerable soul” – he refuses to let anything break his spirits and remains true to his identify.

Rather than the physical pain Henley suffered, the speaker in “Effacé” is facing psychological turmoil, where he feels forgotten by a woman he once deeply admired while he was struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. In the opening line, “yours was the face I almost lived a lie for”, it is clear to the reader that the mesmerising beauty of this woman’s beauty “almost” tempted the speaker to lie about his identity as a gay man so he could spend the rest of his life with her. The alliteration of the long, calming /l/ sounds creates a melancholic, wistful tone while he reflects on what might have been. The use of the subtle adverb “almost” suggests the speaker recognises it would have been a false identity and therefore the relationship never would have worked. This makes it apparent to the reader that staying true to himself and his identity was more important to him rather than living a lie.

Perspectives

Each speaker has an extremely distinct perspective towards their identity. The speaker in “Invictus” has an unfaltering and clear view of his identity and is exceptionally sure of how he will respond to the constant devastation he faces. This is most obvious in the final stanza with the two concluding declaratives: “I am the master of my fate” and “I am the captain of my soul”. The speaker identifies himself as “master” and “captain” to show that he has power and authority. Here, the speaker is not denying these challenges are arduous and tough, but is confidently affirming he can get past them, as long as he reminds himself he is in control. This is then reinforced by the repetition of “I am” at the start of the final two lines, emphasising his strong belief that he is in charge. This is further supported by the repetition of the possessive pronoun “my”. He controls his “fate” and his “soul”.

On the other hand, in “Effacé”, the speaker’s discussion of his identity is full of ambiguity. This is epitomised by the way he questions “if” he would be “content” with his “Odette” in her “suburban courts”. Perhaps they would have been happier together. Perhaps a part of him is unwilling to let go of his affections. Although their relationship would never have worked physically, he still feels nostalgic towards their time together. This ambivalence is reinforced by the final line in the fourth stanza when he reveals he “hoped we might be more”. The soft diction of “hoped” and “might” and the assonance of “we” and “be” creates a tone of wistful regret. In spite of this contemplative longing he decides to remain true to his identity and ultimately accepts his sexuality. He would be nothing more than a “mincing prince” in this fantasy.

Conclusion

Each poem explores the different journeys of staying true to our identity. Personally, I prefer the poem “Invictus” because I feel it is an incredibly inspiring and uplifting poem, especially the message it conveys: we should never give up in the face of adversity. I think is an incredibly important moral but I also appreciate Maddern’s personal struggles to come to terms with his true identity. Once we find ourselves in the world, it is important that we stay true to our identity.