Question

Unlike many retellings of the myth of Icarus, this poem suggests that Icarus did the right thing. Explain why, citing evidence from the poem.

Answer 1

The poet suggests that it was better for Icarus to test his limits and learn what he was capable of rather than to spend his life in ignorance. Supporting evidence includes, “What else could the boy have done?” (line 1); “He flew just far enough” (line 10); “Would it / have been better to flutter ignorantly” (lines 11–12); “He now had his answer”(line 18).

Answer 2

According to Line 1 and Line 10 of the poem, it can be inferred that Icarus is better off testing his limits, a feat he must embark on in order to discover his abilities instead of wondering somewhere years later what would have been.

1. The first opens with a question asking to know what else the boy could have done
2. in the tenth and opening of the eleventh line, he alludes that the boy flew exactly to the point of wisdom;
3. Following through on that, the remainder of the eleventh and twelfth line rejects the notion of living in ignorance of ones capabilities and possibilities;
4. The confirmation that Icarus now knew his strengths, weaknesses and capabilities is easily rested with the eighteenth line.

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