For thousands of years, humans have wondered what controlled their lives and determined their future—was there a god that set out our paths before we were alive, or perhaps were we the only ones to explore the roads of life? Do we control how our existence plays out, or are we played by the hand of luck or a greater power from the start? Authors Malcolm Gladwell and William Ernest Henley toyed with their beliefs on this subject. Gladwell, writer of the short non-fiction titled Outliers: The Story of Success believes that we, as people, determine our futures through the efforts we put into everything we do. He uses different research done by experts to explain and prove his point. Henley, in a similar way, believes that one’s own attitude towards
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In each stanza, he complements a theme of malice with his survival through it using his soul to surpass the challenge. One example of the malice is in lines 9 and 10 of the poem, stating, “Beyond this place of wrath and tears / Looms but the horror of the shade" (Henley 22). In the same stanza, he explains that he will face the anger, sadness, and even his own death with courage. He says, “And yet the menace of the years / Finds, and shall find, me unafraid" (Henley 22). These contrasting statements work together to show how Henley will stand strong amidst whatever evils surrounding him. Because of his, Henley believes that, “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul" (Henley 22). Despite Henley’s strong belief that he controls his future through his bravery and attitude, none of his statements truly express that he controls what happens, and he openly admits that he cannot control everything in life, only that he can control how he responds to …show more content…
Though Henley’s passionate writing in “Invictus” makes the poem greater than any other style could have, his belief in our control over fate is never truly supported by anything other than his own thoughts and feelings. Gladwell, however, provides overwhelming evidence from many different sources. His use of various scientists’ discoveries on the subjects of practice and skill development, such as those of psychologist Ericsson and neurologist Levitin, greatly support his belief: “Achievement is talent plus preparation” (Gladwell
In each stanza, he complements a theme of malice with his survival through it using his soul to surpass the challenge. One example of the malice is in lines 9 and 10 of the poem, stating, “Beyond this place of wrath and tears / Looms but the horror of the shade" (Henley 22). In the same stanza, he explains that he will face the anger, sadness, and even his own death with courage. He says, “And yet the menace of the years / Finds, and shall find, me unafraid" (Henley 22). These contrasting statements work together to show how Henley will stand strong amidst whatever evils surrounding him. Because of his, Henley believes that, “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul" (Henley 22). Despite Henley’s strong belief that he controls his future through his bravery and attitude, none of his statements truly express that he controls what happens, and he openly admits that he cannot control everything in life, only that he can control how he responds to …show more content…
Though Henley’s passionate writing in “Invictus” makes the poem greater than any other style could have, his belief in our control over fate is never truly supported by anything other than his own thoughts and feelings. Gladwell, however, provides overwhelming evidence from many different sources. His use of various scientists’ discoveries on the subjects of practice and skill development, such as those of psychologist Ericsson and neurologist Levitin, greatly support his belief: “Achievement is talent plus preparation” (Gladwell