Icarus
By Edward Field
Only the feathers floating around the hat
Showed that anything more spectacular had occurred
Than the usual drowning. The police preferred to ignore
The confusing aspects of the case,
And the witnesses ran off to a gang war.
So the report filed and forgotten in the archives read simply
“Drowned,” but it was wrong: Icarus
Had swum away, coming at last to the city
Where he rented a house and tended the garden.
“That nice Mr. Hicks” the neighbors called,
Never dreaming that the gray, respectable suit
Concealed arms that had controlled huge wings
Nor that those sad, defeated eyes had once
Compelled the sun. And had he told them
They would have answered with a shocked,
uncomprehending stare.
No he could not disturb their neat front yards;
Yet all his books insisted that this was a horrible mistake:
What was he doing aging in a suburb?
Can the genius of the hero fall
To the middling stature of merely talented?
And nightly Icarus probes his wound
And daily in his workshop, curtains carefully drawn,
Constructs small wings and tries to fly
To the lighting fixture on the ceiling:
Fails every time and hates himself for trying.
He had thought himself a hero, had acted heroically,
And dreamt of his fall, the tragic fall of the hero;
But now rides commuter trains,
Serves on various committees,
And wishes he had drowned.
Summary of Icarus
Edward Field’s “Icarus” reimagines the classic Greek myth, but with a strikingly modern twist. The poem does not recount Icarus’s fiery descent from the sky; instead, it details his survival and subsequent assimilation into ordinary life. Icarus does not perish; he swims ashore and reinvents himself as “Mr. Hicks,” a quiet suburbanite. The authorities dismiss the incident as a simple drowning, and the witnesses are distracted. The poem explores the internal conflict of a once extraordinary individual now trapped in the mundane routines of everyday existence.
The central idea of the poem is the disillusionment that can follow a grand ambition. It questions whether a truly exceptional person can find fulfillment in a life devoid of heroism and purpose. The poem delves into themes of identity, regret, and the pressure to conform, presenting a poignant commentary on the compromises often made in modern society. “Icarus” isn’t simply a retelling of a myth; it is a reflection of the human condition and the search for meaning in a world that often demands mediocrity.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Icarus
Edward Field masterfully employs a range of literary devices to enrich the poem’s meaning and impact. Understanding these techniques unveils a deeper appreciation for the poem’s artistry.
- Allusion: The most prominent device is the allusion to the Greek myth of Icarus and Daedalus. Field does not simply retell the story; he subverts it, challenging our expectations. The contrast between the myth and the poem’s narrative is crucial to understanding its message.
- Alliteration: While not a dominant feature, alliteration adds subtle musicality. For example, the repetition of the “f” sound in feathers floating draws attention to the remnants of Icarus’s flight, reminding us of his former glory.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds creates a sense of harmony and flow. Notice the repetition of the “a” sound in “The confasing aspects of the case,” subtly connecting these words and emphasizing the poem’s focus on perception and misinterpretation.
- Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds adds texture and rhythm. The repetition of “w” and “b” in “What was he doing aging in a suburb?” creates a melancholic tone, reflecting Icarus’s regret.
- Imagery: Field uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of both Icarus’s past grandeur and his present anonymity. The image of the “feathers floating around the hat” is particularly striking, contrasting the remnants of a spectacular flight with the banality of everyday life.
- Metaphor: The entire poem can be seen as an extended metaphor for the disillusionment and compromise that often accompany the transition to adulthood. Icarus’s transformation into “Mr. Hicks” symbolizes the loss of ambition and the acceptance of a conventional life.
- Personification: The phrase “defeated eyes” personifies Icarus’s eyes, imbuing them with human emotion and highlighting his internal struggle. This adds depth to the characterization and emphasizes his regret.
- Rhetorical Question: The questions “What was he doing aging in a suburb?” and “Can the genius of the hero fall to the middling stature of merely talented?” aren’t meant to be answered. They serve to emphasize the poem’s central themes and invite the reader to contemplate the meaning of a life lived without purpose.
- Symbolism: Several elements carry symbolic weight. The feathers symbolize Icarus’s lost freedom and ambition. The “gray, respectable suit” represents his conformity to societal norms. The garden he tends can be interpreted as a futile attempt to cultivate meaning in a barren landscape.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Icarus
Beyond literary devices, Field utilizes specific poetic techniques that shape the poem’s impact and meaning.
- Diction: Field employs a conversational, understated diction. The language is accessible and unpretentious, creating a sense of intimacy and realism. This contrasts sharply with the grand scale of the original myth, highlighting the poem’s focus on the mundane.
- Free Verse: “Icarus” is written in free verse, meaning it lacks a regular rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This allows Field to create a natural, flowing rhythm that mirrors the ebb and flow of thought.
- Stanza: The poem consists of a single, extended stanza. This contributes to the poem’s sense of continuous narrative and reflects the relentless passage of time in Icarus’s life.
- Tone: The tone of the poem is complex and nuanced. It begins with a detached, almost ironic tone, but gradually shifts toward a more melancholic and introspective mood. The final lines reveal a profound sense of regret and despair.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are particularly resonant and can be used to illustrate the tragic consequences of unfulfilled potential and the quiet desperation of modern life.
Fails every time and hates himself for trying.
He had thought himself a hero, had acted heroically,
And dreamt of his fall, the tragic fall of the hero;
But now rides commuter trains,
Serves on various committees,
And wishes he had drowned.
These lines encapsulate the poem’s central themes and offer a powerful commentary on the compromises we make in the pursuit of a conventional life. They are a poignant reminder that sometimes, the greatest tragedy isn’t death, but the loss of our dreams.