The Fall of Icarus in Modern Literature

In its original form The Story of Daedalus and Icarus is a synonym for people who are too ambitious and therefore they end up losing everything. The lesson is that we should be moderate in every situation. Bruegel gives a different perspective by connecting the fall with human ignorance and thus he inspires modern poets to write about the painting. Auden uses many metaphors and, inspired by the fall, he depicts the fall of humankind. Williams with his brief but effective poem gives a description of the painting but he uses its main subject to give a social criticism of the society. All three authors have the same idea and the same message to people, although they use completely different methods and means. The outcome is that the reader/viewer is shaken by the realization of his/her own ignorance and is encouraged to change the perspective on life