Daedalus+and+Icarus


 * Prep Work for the Poem** – Do this in groups of 2 or three, but not with your usual partner. Copy, Paste and make into a page on your own page.

Much of the following derives from [|Ahuva Weiss].

1. Tell each other whatever you know about the names "Daedalus" and "Icarus". Make sure everyone in the group could share in telling.
 * Greek Legend** (8 minutes?)

1. Search the Web.

In order to find out more about the legend, go to web-sites which tell us about Greek Mythology.

The legend of Daedalus and Icarus: 2 short encyclopedic entries:

1. [] []

Fill in according to what you have read, and I will walk by to see if you have it.

Daedalus was an _. He designed the which was a maze on the island of Crete. He __was imprisoned in this Labyrinth and in order to _, he made wings for himself and for his__ _ __, Icarus. These wings were made of _ held together by _, Daedalus told his son not to too__ close to the sun, but Icarus did not _ to this warning and he _ too high up. The sun the wax and he fell.

1. What do you think about Icarus? Discuss his character and action (several possibilities)

2. What do you think of the consequences of his actions? Was it a punishment? A natural event? An important event?


 * A Painting** (8 minutes)

You will look at a painting and read an interpretation of it. You will then tell the class about what you have seen and read.

I. In order to see the famous painting, go to []

1. Scroll down to see the whole painting, its name, the name of the artist and the year it was painted. Know the information.

2. Look closely at the painting. Discuss what you see and then, as a group, write down the description of what you see in this picture.

3. Look at the name of the painting. What is the connection?

4. What is this painting saying about life? _

2.__ DO ALL THE ABOVE BEFORE READING THE INTERPRETATION. Read an interpretation of this painting. Go to :[| http://www.eng.fju.edu.tw/English_Literature/poetry_art/icarus.htm] the painting with a short analysis. Another site (spend maybe 3-4 minutes skimming) [|Plowman analysis]

1. Do some quick research. What is the story behind the painting?

2. What are some details and what do they mean which do NOT follow the Greek Legend of Icarus a. _ b)_

3. In the skimming, what seem to be 3 significant (or interesting) points.

Discuss. [| http://poetrypages.lemon8.nl/life/musee/museebeauxarts.htm]
 * The Poem -- Read the Poem by Auden**. (15 minutes?)

Critical Reading Questions, answer 3 plus #7 (so four in all) of the following in nice paragraph form. Upload with all group members participation and names to the discussion forum on this page.

1. What is the tone of the poem? Support your answer with two specific details from the text 2. Look carefully at the Brueghel painting (from the Musée des Beaux Arts in Brussels) for the details described in the poem. Do you see other details in the painting that seem consistent with the tone of the poem? 3. What is the "human position" of suffering in this poem? 4. Do you agree with Auden's reading of human nature here? Why or why not? 5. Briefly describe your first impressions regarding the author’s diction and/or syntax. 7. Have each group member point out at least two poetic elements in the poem -- they all need to be different. Share out loud first, then write your different points.

When finished -- study for the poetry test.