Essential Question #4

There are many similarities between Invictus and Beowulf. Invictus is much shorter because it focuses solely on the concept of fate and faith in God, a major theme in Beowulf. In the first stanza Henley talks about thanking whatever gods may be for his unconquerable soul. The character in Invictus cannot be defeated because he thanks the gods. Beowulf is the same way, Grendel never had a chance at defeating him because of his faith in God. Beowulf is unconquerable. Henley next says that he can be bloodied but never defeated and still unafraid. Beowul is never scared because he knows that God is on his side. Henley finishes by saying he is the master of his fate and the captain of his soul. Beowulf was fated to defeat Beowulf and he accomplished that through his faith.