Read the Greek myth "The Flight of Icarus" retold by Sally Benson. Then, reread the
lines indicated with each question below. Answer each question, citing text
evidence.
1.
Lines 10-12: What have readers learned so far about Daedalus? What evidence in
the text hints that he may have unusual or supernatural powers?
2. Lines 4-12: What do Daedalus and Icarus want?
3. Lines 15-29: Summarize what Daedalus does to help himself and his son escape
from the island.
4. Lines 39-47: What specific evidence in these lines suggests Daedalus's plan will
not go well?
5. Lines 57-63: Myths typically include events that cannot happen in real life and
characters with unusual abilities. What specific evidence in the text illustrates
these two aspects of a myth?
6. Lines 60-79: What causes Icarus's fall? What does his failure reveal about the
cultural values of the ancient Greeks?
7. Lines 88-95: Did Daedalus succeed or fail in his original goal? What might this
reveal about a life lesson or theme?