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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.4

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

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

• "downward plunge" 

• "point of wisdom" 

• "just far enough"

• "upward escape"

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

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

• Critical.

• Dismissive. 

• Admiring. 

• Questioning. 

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5