MasteryConnect: Icarus and Daedalus / Motto for a Dog

Part A: How does Icarus differ from Daedalus?

• Icarus is impulsive; Daedalus is a planner.

• Icarus is immature; Daedalus is uninspired.

• Icarus is extremely focused; Daedalus is easily distracted.

• Icarus is crafty; Daedalus is a daredevil.

Part B: Select two quotations from the passage that support the answer to Part A.

• “He held himself aloft, wavered this way and that with the wind, and at last, like a great fledgling, he learned to fly.” (paragraph 4)

• “Without delay, he fell to work on a pair of wings for the boy Icarus, and taught him carefully how to use them, bidding him beware of rash adventures among the stars.” (paragraph 5)

• “At first there was a terror in the joy.” (paragraph 8)

• “He longed for one draught of flight to quench the thirst of his captivity; he stretched out his arms to the sky and made towards the highest heavens.” (paragraph 8)

• “The heat of the sun had melted the wax from his wings; the feathers were falling, one by one, like snowflakes; and there was none to help.” (paragraph 9)

Part A: What is the theme of this text?

• Never go against a king.

• High expectations can lead to harsh consequences.

• Nature is a powerful influence in our lives.

• Always listen to your elders.

Part B: Which quotation from the passage supports the answer to Part A?

• But the king’s favor veered with the wind, and one day he had his master architect imprisoned in a tower. (paragraph 2)

• When they were done, Daedalus fitted them to his own shoulders, and after one or two efforts, he found that by waving his arms he could winnow the air and cleave it, as a swimmer does the sea. (paragraph 4)

• His wings wavered, drooped. He fluttered his young hands vainly, he was falling, and in that terror he remembered. The heat of the sun had melted the wax from his wings;… (paragraph 9)

• The nearest island he named Icaria, in memory of the child; but he, in heavy grief, went to the temple of Apollo in Sicily, and there hung up his wings as an offering. Never again did he attempt to fly. (paragraph 11)

Part A: Based on the information in the second paragraph, what can be inferred about King Minos of Crete?

• He was irrational.

• He was hesitant.

• He was inventive.

• He was encouraging.

Part B: Click the underlined detail that best supports the answer to Part A.

• so cunningly tangled up and twisted

• had his master architect imprisoned in a tower

• it seemed impossible to leave the island

• every ship that came or went was well-guarded

Part A: Select the statement that best describes how the author's characterization of Daedalus in paragraphs 2-5 contributes to the development of the plot.

• The author illustrates how Daedalus was inspired to escape from the prison.

• The author illustrates the amount of time that passed before Daedalus felt confident that his plan would work.

• The author illustrates why Daedalus and Icarus argued about the use of the wings.

Part B: Select the detail that best supports your answer to Part A.

• "Daedalus managed to escape from his cell; but it seemed impossible to leave the island, since every ship that came or went was well-guarded by order of the king." (paragraph 2)

• "At length, watching the sea-gulls in the air, the only creatures that were sure of liberty, he thought of a plan for himself and his young son Icarus, who was captive with him." (paragraph 3)

• "'Remember,' said the father, 'never to fly very low or very high, for the fogs about the earth would weigh you down, but the blaze of the sun will surely melt your feathers apart if you go too near.'" (paragraph 5)

Part A: Select the correct theme and its supporting evidence from the passage.

• Cautious behavior prevents danger.

• Following your own path is important.

• Never be afraid to explore new heights.

Part B: Select the piece of text evidence that best supports your answer to Part A.

• "He once built, for King Minos of Crete, a wonderful Labyrinth of winding ways so cunningly tangled up and twisted around that, once inside, you could never find your way out again without a magic clue." (paragraph 2)

• '"Remember,' said the father, 'never to fly very low or very high, for the fogs about the earth would weigh you down, but the blaze of the sun will surely melt your feathers apart if you go too near."' (paragraph 5)

• "Who could remember to be careful when he was to fly for the first time? Are birds careful? Not they!" (paragraph 6)