In the poems To a Friend Whose Work Has Come to Triumph by Anne Sexton and Icarus by Edward Field the story of Icarus is used almost lightheartedly to show how people desire to be extraordinary and achieve greatness, even at a high price.
The poems by Sexton and Fields both use simple modern language to portray the myth of Icarus. In Anne Sexton’s poem “To a Friend Whose Work Has Come to Triumph” she incorporates interesting word phrases such as “awkward as camels” and “shocked starlings” to reveal the admiration toward Icarus and the disapproval of the “sensible daddy. Through Sexton’s word choice it is clear that she holds a deeper respect for the character Icarus for doing what he desired and making his own decisions despite the fatal consequences. This, having been written in a time of conflict, could represent the same admiration Sexton could have had toward protestors and those who fought for what they believed just as Icarus defied his father and explored his own limits. Edward Field similarly uses modern language to tell the story of Icarus in an new light where the character “rides commuter trains”, tends a “garden”, and “wishes he had drowned”. The simple narrative of the poem conveys an alternate ending to the fall of Icarus where the star of the story escaped death, but is faced with the mundane consequence of average life. The regretful tone found in the negative words culminates with Icarus wishing he had “drowned” in the ocean. Both poems use modern language to convey two very different versions of one story.
The authors, Sexton and Fields, include vivid imagery which relate to their versions of either an empowered or defeated Icarus. Sexton’s images of “awkward” “camels”, “plushy ocean”, and “flawless” moments of flight reveal how though Icarus did not belong in the sky he was free to experience it as he wished. Sexton believes that Icarus deserved to fly among the starlings and escape the confines of normal humans. The images reveal how Icarus handled the amazing power of flight with a “casual” wonder. Edward Field reveals Icarus’ feelings by his “sad, defeated eyes” , the presumed “uncomprehending” thoughts of the society , and the “small wings” Icarus attempts to build with no success. This poem is very concise in it’s wording to emphasize the mundane existence the survived Icarus now leads after his magnificent flight. Icarus is much like those people who have seen or felt greatness and now, in their older years, settle for less than their potential. Both poems use imagery to express an opinion on the modern society.
Both poems written by Anne Sexton and Edward Fields convey a response to events in the society at the time they were written through details and facts. Sexton’s “sensible daddy” represents the undesirable conformist society and contrasts the freedom and exciting life of the “innocent” young Icarus who is mesmerized by the “hot eye” of the sun. Icarus does not limit himself to the simple lives of men who live forever on earth with the awkward trees. Icarus is admired for his ambitious flight to rise above the city instead of lowering himself to fit into society’s mold like his father who goes to town to restart his routine life. Edward Field creates the sense of a new story by including the facts of the “usual drowning” “case” of the once “hero” Icarus. Icarus blends in with normal society despite his burning passion to be free in the sky. By settling in a rented house in an average suburb he forfeited his glory and is now only recorded as one of many who have drowned. Both Sexton and Fields employ details to provide a clear picture of each of their values and priorities in society.
In the poems by Anne Sexton and Edward Fields a message on the importance of a person’s place in society and the success his or her achievements. Those who fall into the miserable and mundane routine of daily civil life will never know the amazing adventures of those who venture out of the nicely kept and polished box of conformity. Settling for a plain fate is far worse than living on the edge and dying with glory and greatness.
