Question

How are Williams's "Landscape with the Fall of Icarus" and Auden's "Musée des Beaux Arts" different?

A. In Williams's poem, the farmer tries to help Icarus. In Auden's poem, the ploughman just watches Icarus drown.
B. In Williams's poem, a farmer is the only witness to Icarus's fall, while Auden mentions both a ploughman and a ship.
C. In Williams's poem, Daedalus comes to Icarus's rescue; Auden doesn't mention Daedalus at all.
D. In Williams's poem, the ship sails away without stopping, while Auden's poem describes the ship's attempts to rescue Icarus.

Answer 1

The answer is:

B. In Williams's poem, a farmer is the only witness to Icarus's fall, while Auden mentions both a ploughman and a ship.

Both poems, Williams's "Landscape with the Fall of Icarus" and Auden's "Musée des Beaux Arts," mention the ploughman or farmer, but only Auden's work makes reference to a ship. Nevertheless, in both poems, none of the potential witnesses is able to acknowledge the misfortunate moment Icarus falls in to the sea because all of them are engaged in their everyday activities.

Answer 2

Among the given choices, the difference between Williams's "Landscape with the Fall of Icarus" and Auden's "Musée des Beaux Arts" is indicated in B. In Williams's poem, a farmer is the only witness to Icarus's fall, while Auden mentions both a ploughman and a ship. They describe the setting as being indifferent to the fall of Icarus as people were preoccupied with their daily tasks.