Icarus's Flight Poem

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 does the speaker argue about Icarus when he says this??

• His decision to fly toward the sun was ignorant.

• He deserved to fall from the sky.

• Daedalus should have kept a closer eye on him.

• Icarus was aware of the consequences of his flight.

Which of the following provides the best summary of "Icarus's Flight?"

• Icarus must escape, but as he flies, he is enchanted by the ecstacy of flight, so he falls to his death. In the end, he learns that flight has limits and that taking risks has rewards and punishments.

• Icarus learns that flight has limits, but as he flies, he learns the reward of flight is newfound freedom and delight. In the end, he dies but with a full heart.

• Icarus must escape, but he must build wings that eventually dissolve as he flies to close to the sun. So, Icarus learns that his wisdom is only gained by moderation and staying within ones limits. His mistake is regretable.

• Icarus must escape, but as he flies, he is enchanted by the ecstacy of flight, so he falls to his death. In the end, the reader learns that Icarus was foolish and innocent.

What do the questions throughout the poem help the reader do?

• The questions help the reader pause and consider the author's point.

• The questions make the reader even more confused.

• The questions help the reader feel that Icarus was young and naive.

• The questions cause the reader to consider that making mistakes should be avoided.

Why do you think the poet wrote this poem? (Select two answers)

• He is providing a different way to view Icarus and contrast with the lesson taught in the Icarus myth

• He is trying to persuade the reader that Icarus was careless and his mistake should not be repeated

• He is summarizing the myth story in verse and he is reinforcing the ideas from the myth

• He is trying to make the reader mourn the death of Icarus and feel sorrow over his death

Read these lines from the poem: He now had his answer,/laws to uphold him in his downward plunge./Cushion enough for what he wanted. These lines suggest that at the end of the poem the speaker –

• condemns Icarus for being irresponsible and unreasonable.

• supports Icarus’s decision and even admires him for taking the risk of dying to acquire wisdom.

• enjoys mythical stories, for he knows they are not true.

• questions Icarus’s decision and wishes he had been more cautious to avoid such a demise.

Which phrase reflects the poet’s purpose in writing the poem?

• To retell the myth of Icarus

• To compare wisdom and freedom

• To question the lesson in the myth of Icarus

• To persuade the reader that Icarus was careless

What does the author argue about Icarus?

• His decision to fly toward the sun was ignorant

• He deserved to fall from the sky

• Daedalus should have kept a closer eye on him

• Icarus was aware of the consequences of his flight

What does the word "anticipated" mean?

• to know something

• to be surprised by something

• to regret something

What should you pay attention to while reading "Icarus's Flight" according to the text?

• The poet's biography

• The poem's historical context

• The poet's word choices

• The poem's length