In the poems “We Real Cool” and “Invictus,” how are the moods similar but the endings different?

Gwendolyn Brooks’ poem “We Real Cool” might at first seem to
have very little in common with William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus.” On closer examination,
however, the two works reveal some interesting similarities, including the
following:

• Both poems present highly confident moods.
  Indeed, this mood of confidence is implied in the very titles of both works, though "We Real
  Cool" presents an ironic confidence.


• The over-all tones of both
  works also suggest this as self-confidence, which might even be seen as somewhat cocky. Thus, the
  speakers in Brooks’ poem immediately assert, “We real cool” (1), while the speaker of Henley’s
  poem quickly proclaims,

readability="7">

I thank whatever gods may
be

For my unconquerable soul.
(3-4)

• Some readers might
  find the attitudes of the speakers in both poems a bit arrogant, although Henley seems to want us
  to admire his speaker’s pride, while Brooks may be mocking the pride of the speakers she
  presents.

Ultimately, however, the speakers of the two
poems seem to differ even more than they resemble each other. Some of the most significant
differences include the following:

• Henley’s speaker
  speaks for himself. Brooks’ speakers are part of a group and seem to define themselves as members
  of a group. Henley's speaker seems strong; Brooks' young men seem weak and
  shallow.


• Henley’s speaker seems to have faced and overcome real
  challenges in his life, whereas the speakers in Brooks’ poem seem to have retreated from even the
  most simple challenges:

. .
. We

Left school.
(1-2)

• Henley’s speaker
  seems to take pride in the genuine strength he has
  displayed:

readability="10">

I have not winced nor cried
aloud

Under the bludgeonings of
chance.

My head is bloody, but unbowed.
(6-8)

• Brooks’ speakers are
  proud of their accomplishments in the pool hall and of other insignificant
  achievements:

. . .
We

Strike straight.
(3-4)

• Finally, the most
  significant difference between the speakers in both poems is that Henley’s speaker seems
  confident even in the face of age and death (9-12), whereas Brooks’ speakers merely (and
  ironically) concede,

. . .
We

Die soon.
(7-8)

Henley seems to endorse the
values and attitudes of the speaker he presents, whereas Brooks seems to offer her brief poem as
a caution and warning to any other young men who think that being “cool” is a mature approach to
life.