Throughout the entire poem, Field constantly refers to the sights of a modern neighborhood by using words such as “archive”, “commuter trains”, and “city.” These simplistic words are used to describe the bland and mundane atmosphere of the poem. No flowery or heightened language is found in the work, mimicking the dull, contemporary setting. In addition to this strategy, Field also transitions his diction in the second stanza. He begins to reveal Icarus’s true character and discusses his feeling with phrases such as “sad, defeated eyes” and “horrible mistake.” The connotation of words helps the reader understand how Icarus’s mental state is spiraling into a pit of depression. The redundancy of the setting is negatively impacting his psychological health. In addition, Field uses a bit of situational irony by placing a Greek mythological character in the ordinary realms of modern life. These mythological figures are depicted as legends destined for greatness. Yet, here stands Icarus among ordinary mortals where he simply “rented a house and tended the garden.” The setting is nothing grand. Shifting from an ancient universe filled with gods and heroes to a modern suburban setting is taking a toll on Icarus’s mind. The Greek legend cannot withstand living in this environment and “wishes he drowned.” This suicidal thought ends the poem, allowing the reader to
Throughout the entire poem, Field constantly refers to the sights of a modern neighborhood by using words such as “archive”, “commuter trains”, and “city.” These simplistic words are used to describe the bland and mundane atmosphere of the poem. No flowery or heightened language is found in the work, mimicking the dull, contemporary setting. In addition to this strategy, Field also transitions his diction in the second stanza. He begins to reveal Icarus’s true character and discusses his feeling with phrases such as “sad, defeated eyes” and “horrible mistake.” The connotation of words helps the reader understand how Icarus’s mental state is spiraling into a pit of depression. The redundancy of the setting is negatively impacting his psychological health. In addition, Field uses a bit of situational irony by placing a Greek mythological character in the ordinary realms of modern life. These mythological figures are depicted as legends destined for greatness. Yet, here stands Icarus among ordinary mortals where he simply “rented a house and tended the garden.” The setting is nothing grand. Shifting from an ancient universe filled with gods and heroes to a modern suburban setting is taking a toll on Icarus’s mind. The Greek legend cannot withstand living in this environment and “wishes he drowned.” This suicidal thought ends the poem, allowing the reader to