The Flight of Icarus vs Icarus's Flight

What is most unusual about the structure of the poem?

• It does not have a consistent rhyme scheme. 
• It is organized in five stanzas. 
• Capitalization and punctuation are missing. 
• Sentences extend from one stanza to the next. 

In the first line, the poet asks, "What else could the boy have done?" What answer is the poet expecting? 

• He could have flown lower. 
• He could have flown farther. 
• There is nothing else he could have done. 
• He could have stayed in the garden. 

What does the poet mean by "the exact point where freedom stopped?" (lines 4-5). 

• The point at which Icarus could no longer fly. 
• The point at which Icarus decided to fly.
• The point at which Icarus plunged into the sea. 
• The point at which the farmer could no longer see him. 

What does the poet mean by "his anticipated plummeting?" (line 7)

• Icarus knew that he would eventually fall. 
• Icarus was surprised by his fall. 
• Icarus regretted trying to fly. 
• Icarus knew that people were watching him. 

What was the best statement of the poem's theme or message? 

• Test your limits to know what is possible. 
• Practice moderation in all things.
• Be content with what you have. 
• Work hard to prepare for the future. 

What language device or structure does the poet use to communicate his message? 

• Sentence fragments. 
• Rhyme and repetition. 
• Comparison and contrast.
• Question and answer. 

What does the poet suggest by the lines "to flutter ignorantly/from petal to petal/ within some garden? (lines 12-13)

• A busy, fulfilled life. 
• A dull, boring life. 
• A life of peace and harmony. 
• A life of freedom and escape. 

Which phrase from the poem best expresses what Icarus gained from his flight? 

• "downward plunge" 
• "point of wisdom" 
• "just far enough"
• "upward escape"

Which word best describes the poet's attitude towards Icarus?

• Critical.
• Dismissive. 
• Admiring. 
• Questioning. 

What is the "cushion" referred to in line 20? 

• The sea into which Icarus fell. 
• The wings that disintegrated as Icarus fell. 
• The disappointment Icarus felt when he fell. 
• The knowledge Icarus gained from his flight.