Finding the theme of this poem. 10 easy points!?

Question

To a Friend Whose Work Has Come to Triumph* by Anne Sexton

Consider Icarus, pasting those sticky wings on, 1
testing that strange little tug at his shoulder blade,
and think of that first flawless moment over the lawn
of the labyrinth. Think of the difference it make!
There below are the trees, awkward as camels; 5
and here are the shocked starlings pumping past
and think of innocent Icarus who is doing quite well:
larger than a sail, over the fog and the blast
of the plushy ocean, he goes. Admire his wings!
Feel the fire at his neck and see how casually 10
he glances up and is caught, wondrously tunneling
into that hot eye. Who cares that he fell back to the sea?
See him acclaim the sun and come plunging down
while his sensible daddy goes straight into town.

This poem is based on the greek myth of Daedalus and his son Icarus, and i need help findiong the theme and point of the poem because i don't really understand it and also what is her opinion on Icarus?. Can i get some help please? all opinions and any contribution helps
Thanks.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Well, the poem is obviously written about the brave and foolhardy Icarus (Greek boy gets wings, dad tells him not to fly too high, he does, the sun burns his wings, he falls and dies.) I think what it is saying is that it doesn't matter that he fell and he failed, but he took a chance. He flew high and above and dared to be extraordinary at logic's expense. So honestly, the fact that he fell into the sea is a redundant detail because the light of his grandeur overshadows it. The last line sums it up, saying that he was brave enough to be amazing, reach for the sun, and crash, which is a bigger accomplishment than being sensible like his father and living another average day. So in conclusion, what the poem is basically saying is that it is worth more to take a risk, be extraordinary, and fail than to be average/sensible and not try at all.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thank you, this makes a lot of sence

Answer 2

Im guessing but not positive if this is right... The theme is that you should believe in yourself and do what you think is right no matter what the outcome is. The point is that Icarus was trying to fly with the wings his father, Daedalus, made, but flew too close to the sun so the wax on the wings melted and so Icarus fell into the sea. The poet's opinion towards Icarus is that he is very brave and fearless for flying so high and taking such a big fall and dieing. Hope this helps a bit.. Good Luck!!

Source(s):

Im in middle school, I learned about Daedalus and Icarus this year.