Icarus and Daedalus

Anthology: "Icarus and Daedalus"

Lesson 3

Points:

• 📌 Point 1: Recognize features of a myth & relate character to plot development (p. 171)

• 📌 Point 2: Distinguish realistic from fantastic elements & determine message and relate to cultural context (p. 172)

Individual Practice Activity: (10 min. timer and finish for homework if you run out of time)

Go to your Team and click on the "Icarus and Daedalus" In-class Work from MONDAY to answer some questions! You will be given approx. 10 minutes, and then I will go over the questions!

Q6, p. 3

In what ways do Icarus and Daedalus try to be something they are not? Give at least 2 examples from the story to support your answer.

• They both try to fly like birds, which is something humans are not meant to do.

• They also act like gods in that they are being "superhuman" and the townspeople actually mistake them for gods (Apollo and Cupid)

Q7, p. 4:

What message does the story send about people trying to be more than they were intended to be?

Because Icarus dies from his ambition to fly to the sun and Daedalus is punished by losing his son, the story sends the message that you will be punished if you try to be more than you are meant to be.

Q8, p. 4:

Why does Daedalus offer his wings to the god Apollo? Why does he not try to fly again, even though he was successful?

After Icarus dies, Daedalus understands that he was punished for trying to fly and the gods are angry that he tried to be more than humans are meant to be. He does not try to fly again because he understands his mistake and paid for it with the death of his son.

What is a myth?

Myth:

📌 A myth is a very old story that tries to explain a mystery of nature of a belief.📌 Historically, myths were used to reinforce cultural morals and standards of behavior. For example, the various myths about the Greek hero Hercules demonstrated how a courageous man should act.

📌 Traditionally, myths were passed down by word of mouth within a culture. They typically contain timeless messages.📌

Multiple Choice

Q1, p. 5:

Which of the following is most likely the reason Icarus was punished?

• a. He tried to fly against the wind.

• b. He did not keep up with his father while flying.

• c. He did not prepare his wings properly.

• d. He was trying to be something he was not.

Multiple Choice

Q2, p. 5:

Which of the following is not a challenge Daedalus had to overcome?

• a. He was imprisoned on an island.

• b. He was imprisoned in a tower.

• c. Passing ships were ordered not to help him.

• d. He was not bright.

Multiple Choice

Q3, p. 5:

Which of the following is a sign that Daedalus learned his lesson?

• a. He created wings from birds' feathers.

• b. He cried when his son was lost.

• c. He gave up his wings as an offering to Apollo.

• d. He named an island for his son.

Multiple Choice

Q4, p. 5:

Which line from the myth suggests that a character made a bad decision?

• a. "At last, like a great fledgling, he learned to fly."

• b. "Who could remember to be careful when he was to fly for the first time? Are birds careful?"

• c. "He carefully taught Icarus how to use them, commanding him to beware of rash adventures."

• d. "Never again did he attempt to fly."

Multiple Choice

Q5, p. 5:

Which of the following events suggest that Icarus and Daedalus have become too ambitious?

• a. They collect feathers from birds on the island.

• b. They try to fly, like the gods Apollo and Cupid.

• c. They try to escape King Minos.

• d. They create a wonderful labyrinth.

Questions for homework (or in-class work if we have time): on Microsoft Form:

• Q6, p. 6: Does the myth "Icarus and Daedalus" have a hero? Why or why not? Explain your answer.

• Q7, p. 6: What role do the gods play in "Icarus and Daedalus"? How important are they to the development of the lesson in the myth?

Q6, p. 6: Does the myth "Icarus and Daedalus" have a hero? Why or why not? Explain your answer.

This myth does not have a hero because the main character, Daedalus, although very smart, suffers a defeat in the end. Both Icarus and Daedalus try to become heroes, but they fail because they try to become more than they are meant to be.

Q7, p. 6: What role do the gods play in "Icarus and Daedalus"? How important are they to the development of the lesson in the myth?

The gods play an understated role in this myth but Apollo is an important part of the ending, where the lesson is delivered. 📌 The gods are mentioned when Icarus and Daedalus first start flying and they appear to townspeople below to be Apollo and Cupid. That is a hint that the two humans will be punished for trying to be gods when they are only humans.📌 This lesson is reinforced at the end when Daedalus offers his wings to Apollo, suggesting he accepts his punishment for achieving more than he was meant to.