Daedalus and Icarus Poetry Analysis Practice

By Amy Buckley
Last updated over 4 years ago
7 Questions
Look at Source 1 and 2 closely before answering the first series of questions.
Source One: Bruegel's "Landscape with the Fall of Icarus"
Source Two: William Carlos Williams "Landscape with the Fall of Icarus"
1.

How do we know the poet saw the painting? What points to that fact? Explain.

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2.

What is William Carlos Williams’ tone in the poem? Explain.

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3.

Which seems more important as a focal point to the painter and the poet: The landscape or Icarus? Explain each perspective.

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4.

Critics argue about Breughel’s purpose in painting. Some say he sought to move men to reform; other say he tried to show the world as it really is. Which do you think it is? Argue your opinion.

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5.

Why does he use "unsignificantly" instead of the modern "insignificantly" in the poem? Explain.

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6.

What is a definition of tragedy and how can it be seen in both the painting and the poem? Explain.

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Source 3: "Daedulus and Icarus Video for Kids"
Source 4: "To A Friend Whose Work Has Come to Triumph" by Anne Sexton
7.

Write an essay that provides an analysis of how Sexton transforms “Daedalus and Icarus”.

You may use the above painting, poem, and video to point to how Sexton changes the story.

Only show one sentence for the introduction and then have two body paragraphs and one sentence for the conclusion. Use quotes when possible and cite your sources.


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