Middle School

"Keep near me and you will be safe." While he gave these instructions and fitted the wings to his son's shoulders, Daedalus' face was wet with tears, and his hands trembled. He kissed Icarus, not knowing that it was for the last time. Then he rose into the air on his wings and flew off, encouraging Icarus to follow. Below them, a farmer stopped his work to gaze, and the shepherd leaned on his staff and watched them, amazed at the sights, thinking the figures above were gods who could fly through the air.
- Ovid, "The Story of Daedalus and Icarus"

Which phrase foreshadows events that take place later in the story?

A. He kissed Icarus
B. Daedalus' face was wet with tears, and his hands trembled
C. Below them a farmer stopped his work to gaze
D. not knowing that it was for the last time

Answer :

Correct answer: D. Not knowing it was for the last time.

Explanation: Icarus eventually dies, because he got too close to the sun with his wings, even though Daedalus prevented him not to do so. So when Daedalus kissed Icarus he didn’t know if was for the last time.

Final answer:

The phrase 'not knowing that it was for the last time' effectively foreshadows the future tragic events in the story of Daedalus and Icarus.

Explanation:

The phrase that foreshadows events later in the story of Daedalus and Icarus is 'not knowing that it was for the last time'. This phrase implies a sense of finality and a poignant moment that hints at the tragic outcome of the story. Daedalus's actions, filled with emotion before Icarus takes flight, signal an ominous turn in the tale, indicating that something irreversible is about to happen. Foreshadowing is a literary device used to give an advance hint of what is to come later in the story, and this particular phrase subtly suggests the impending doom that will befall Icarus.