Icarus's Flight Poem

What is most unusual about the structure of the poem?

• It does not have a consistent rhyme scheme.

• It is organized into five stanzas.

• Capitalization and punctuation are missing.

• Sentences extend from one stanza into 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 stayed in the garden.

• There is nothing else he could have done.

• He could have flown farther.

• He could have flown lower.

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

• The point at which Icarus decided to fly.

• The point at which Icarus plunged into the sea.

• The point at which the shepherd and the farmer could no longer see him.

• The point at which Icarus could no longer fly.

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 is the best statement of the poem's theme or message?

• Test your limits to learn what's possible.

• Practice moderation in all things.

• Be content with what you have.

• Work hard to prepare for the future.

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.

Which statement best describes the message of the poem?

• Icarus learned a lesson by flying too far

• Icarus wasted his time by flying too far

• Icarus was forced into flying too far

• Icarus had a habit of flying too far

Why does the poet begin the poem with a question?

• The question is trying to help prove the point that Icarus was a helpless and innocent kid

• The question is trying to cause the reader to distrust Icarus

• The question causes the reader to become more confused about Icarus's motivations

• The question creates a sense of the eye "falling" down the page more quickly