College

Read the selection in your Student Edition and choose the best answer to each question.

"The Flight of Icarus" - retold by Sally Benson

Which statement describes a theme of the selection?

A. Building wings is a difficult task.
B. People should obey their elders.
C. Fear is a strong emotion.
D. People can't escape their destinies.

Answer :

Final answer:

The theme of "The Flight of Icarus" emphasizes that people cannot escape their destinies, as illustrated by Icarus's tragic fall after ignoring warnings. This reflects the broader Greek belief that ambition and desire may lead to downfall when one defies fate. Ultimately, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of human aspiration in the face of destiny.


Explanation:

Understanding the Theme of "The Flight of Icarus"

The story of Icarus, as retold by Sally Benson, explores various themes concerning human experience and interaction with the divine. Among the choices provided, the statement "People can't escape their destinies" best describes a central theme of the myth. This notion is evident in the cautionary tale that warns about the limits of one's ambitions and the inevitable consequences of defying fate.

Icarus's disregard for his father Daedalus's warnings and his subsequent fall symbolizes the classic Greek belief that no one can outsmart their predetermined fate. The story ultimately illustrates how human desires can lead to destruction; despite Icarus's dreams of flying high, he cannot escape the tragic destiny that awaits him. Similarly, the admonitions from the sun and the ultimate observations about human ambition reflect the deeper moral elements tied to the concept of fate in Greek mythology.

  • Theme of Fate: The theme that we are bound by fate is prevalent in Greek literature.
  • Consequences of Ambition: Striving beyond one's limits often leads to detrimental outcomes.
  • Cautionary Message: Icarus's flight serves as a warning about overreaching.

Learn more about theme of fate here:

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