The Similarities Between 'Anthem And Invictus' By William Henley

In many works, the characters face problems in their society. Anthem by Ayn Rand and “Invictus” by William Henley is much like this. They are both beaten by society, start in dark places, and both are depressed, yet not afraid.

In both works, the main characters are beaten by society. In the poem, the speaker faces reality like it’s a living hell. The speaker is beaten to death because of his doings. The speaker states, “In the fell clutch of circumstance. I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance. My head is bloody, but unbowed.” This statement relates to both of these literatures because, in the novel Anthem, Equality gets beaten because he created the light bulb, and is always the one who questions. The scholars question him on their behalf stating "Where have you been?” Equality states, “We will not tell you.” Moments later, the scholar’s state, “Take our brother Equality 7-2521 to the Palace of Corrective Detention. Lash them until they tell.” pg: 27 of 49. Both speakers get beaten because of their beliefs. Their realities are a living hell and they face it without fear and hatred.

The speaker in the poem also faces this problem. The speaker states, “I am the master of my fate,/I am the captain of my soul!” The speaker is saying that he is in charge of his own life, and no one is allowed to tell him otherwise. In Anthem, Equality’s lifestyle is very depressing. Everyone has to do a job 24/7 with no remorse. It’s hard for anyone to receive help when needed. It’ll be a crime for those who question their work. Equality is one of those people who question work and how to be free. All of his life he has been alone: “We are one in all and all in one. There are no men but only the great we, one, indivisible and forever!” Pg: 2 of 49 Equality has to face it without fear. In both literatures, both have depressing times but they both must not be