The Story of Daedalus and Icarus

In the poem, “The Story of Daedalus and Icarus,” the speaker utilizes prolepsis, a figure of speech in which a future event is referred to in anticipation, to help guide the story to Icarus’ tragic ending. The first hint the speaker gives about Icarus’ departure is when he watches his dad make wings, declaring, “Icarus…stood by and watched him, / not knowing he was dealing with his downfall.” (14-15) During this time, Icarus distracts his father, “Fooling around, the way a boy will, always." (19) (19) The speaker gives the impression that Icarus’ “fooling around” may have a connection with his “downfall,” but this idea is not yet confirmed.

During Icarus’ flying lesson, Daedalus constantly warns him to strictly “fly a middle course:” (23) Despite his forewarning, Daedalus’ “cheeks were wet with tears, and his hand trembled,” (31) as he prepared his son to fly. The speaker emphasizes “tears” and “tremble” to signify Daedalus’ skepticism about the entire flight. His insecurities reveal another hint that something bad might happen to Icarus during the flight. His’ tragedy is even more apparent when Daedalus “kissed his son (Good-bye, if he had known it).” (32) The application of the parenthesis utilizes a form of secret only between the reader and the speaker. Although the reader knows there will be some sort of departure, Daedalus has yet to find out. The speaker even claims that the flight is a “fatal art.” Finally, the connection between flying and Icarus’ downfall is now apparent.

Acknowledging that boys will always “fool around,” it is inevitable that Icarus ignore his father’s warning to enjoy himself and to soar “higher, higher, drawn to the vast heaven.” Like his father predicted, Icarus’ “wings melted in the fierce heat,” making him die in the sea. Icarus’ careless actions, and the events that led up to the flight, anticipated his inevitable tragedy.