XII English STBB - Unit # 4 - ICARUS AND DAEDALUS BY JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY

PDF XII English Book STBB

Exercise 02:

Write the contextual meaning of the following words.

• winnow → to move through the air by flapping wings, as if fanning the air(Urdu: ہوا کو پھاڑتے ہوئے یا پروں سے ہلکا سا ہلانا)

• cleave → to cut through or move forcefully through (the air)(Urdu: چیر کر گزرنا یا زور سے راستہ بنانا)

• fledgling → a young bird just learning to fly; here it refers to Daedalus trying flight like a beginner(Urdu: نیا پرندہ جو اڑنا سیکھ رہا ہو، نو آموز)

• cunning → skillful, clever, and inventive, especially in a crafty or ingenious way(Urdu: چالاک، ماہر، یا ہوشیار طریقے سے باصلاحیت)

• draught → a deep or satisfying breath or drink; in the story, it means a powerful rush or taste of flight(Urdu: گھونٹ، سانس یا کسی چیز کی لذت بھرپور طور پر لینا)

Exercise 04: Answer the following questions after reading the text.

1. How does the story reflect the dangers of unchecked ambition?

The story shows that unchecked ambition can lead to destruction. Icarus, filled with excitement and joy at being free, forgets his father’s warnings and aims too high, flying toward the sun. His ambition to reach the heavens blinds him to the risks, and the wax in his wings melts. This reckless desire for more than what is safe results in his tragic fall. The tale highlights that ambition, when not guided by wisdom and moderation, can become fatal.

2. Compare and contrast Daedalus and Icarus.

Daedalus and Icarus represent two contrasting approaches to life.

• Daedalus is wise, cautious, and experienced. He invents wings with skill and carefully instructs his son about the dangers of flying too high or too low. He values safety and balance.

• Icarus, on the other hand, is young, impulsive, and reckless. He ignores his father’s advice, overestimates his strength, and allows his thrill for freedom to overpower reason.Thus, Daedalus symbolizes wisdom and self-control, while Icarus represents youthful passion and rash ambition.

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3. What is the significance of Daedalus dedicating his wings to Apollo after Icarus' fall?

Daedalus dedicates his wings to Apollo as a symbolic act of humility and surrender. After the tragic loss of his son, he realizes that human beings must respect the limits set by the gods. By hanging his wings in Apollo’s temple, he acknowledges that his attempt to defy nature through invention brought both freedom and tragedy. The act signifies his grief, his recognition of divine power, and his choice never again to attempt such dangerous flights.

4. What moral lessons can be drawn from the story? Provide examples from the text to justify each lesson.

• Obedience to wise counsel: Daedalus warns Icarus not to fly too high or too low. Ignoring this advice leads to Icarus’ downfall, showing the importance of listening to guidance.

• The danger of overconfidence: Icarus, thrilled by the joy of flying, grows reckless and attempts to soar towards the heavens, which results in disaster.

• Respect for limits: The story emphasizes that humans should not overstep natural or divine boundaries. Daedalus’ final act of dedicating the wings acknowledges these limits.

• Grief as a consequence of folly: Icarus’ disobedience not only costs him his life but also brings deep sorrow to his father, reminding readers that reckless actions affect others too.

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5. Did Daedalus foresee Icarus' fall when he warned him about flying too high or too low? Justify your response with evidence from the text.

Yes, Daedalus foresaw the possibility of Icarus’ fall. His instructions were very specific: avoid flying too low because the damp air would weigh him down, and avoid flying too high because the sun’s heat would melt the wax in the wings. These warnings show Daedalus’ foresight and wisdom. However, though he predicted the dangers, he could not prevent Icarus’ disobedience. The text says that for Icarus “these cautions went in at one ear and out by the other,” proving that Daedalus anticipated the risk, but Icarus’ rashness made the tragedy inevitable.

Exercise 05: True/False

Daedalus built the Labyrinth for King Minos. → True

Daedalus and Icarus escaped Crete using a boat. → False

Icarus followed his father's advice carefully while flying. → False

The wax in Icarus’ wings melted because he flew too close to the sun. → True

Daedalus named a nearby island after his son, Icarus. → True

Icarus’ fall was caused by strong winds pushing him down. → False

After Icarus’ fall, Daedalus continued to experiment with flying. → False

Daedalus made an offering to Apollo after his escape. → True

Exercise 06: Cause and Effect

Daedalus built the Labyrinth → because King Minos ordered him.

Daedalus created wings for himself and Icarus → because they could not escape by sea, which was heavily guarded.

Daedalus warned Icarus not to fly too high or too low → because the sun’s heat would melt the wax, and the sea’s damp air would weigh down the wings.

Icarus ignored his father’s warning → because he was overjoyed by the thrill of flying.

The wax in Icarus’ wings melted → because he flew too close to the sun.

Icarus fell into the sea and drowned → because his wings broke apart when the wax melted.

Daedalus named an island Icaria → because it was in memory of his son, Icarus.

**خلاصہ (اردو)**

*(یہ خلاصہ صرف طلبہ کی سمجھ بوجھ کے لیے دیا جا رہا ہے)*

یہ کہانی ایک باپ (ڈیڈالس) اور بیٹے (آئیکرس) کی ہے۔ ڈیڈالس ایک نہایت چالاک اور ماہر کاریگر تھا جس نے بادشاہ منوس کے لیے ایک بھول بھلیاں بنائی۔ لیکن بادشاہ نے اُس کو قید کر دیا۔ وہ اور اس کا بیٹا سمندر کے ذریعے نہیں بھاگ سکتے تھے کیونکہ سب جہازوں کی سخت نگرانی تھی۔ پرندوں کو دیکھ کر ڈیڈالس نے پر بنانے کا منصوبہ بنایا۔ اُس نے پر جمع کیے، دھاگے اور موم سے انہیں جوڑا اور اپنے اور بیٹے کے لیے پر تیار کیے۔

اُس نے آئیکرس کو نصیحت کی کہ نہ زیادہ نیچے اُڑے اور نہ زیادہ اوپر، کیونکہ نیچے سمندر کی نمی پر کو بھاری کر دے گی اور اوپر سورج کی گرمی موم کو پگھلا دے گی۔ لیکن آئیکرس نے خوشی میں باپ کی بات نہ مانی۔ وہ بہت اونچا اُڑ گیا۔ سورج کی گرمی سے موم پگھل گیا اور پروں کے پر گرنے لگے۔ آئیکرس سمندر میں گر کر ڈوب گیا۔

ڈیڈالس نے دکھ کے عالم میں ایک قریبی جزیرے کا نام "آئیکاریا" رکھا اور اپنے پر اپالو کے مندر میں بطور نذر لٹکا دیے۔ اس کے بعد اُس نے دوبارہ اُڑنے کی کوشش نہ کی۔

**سبق:** یہ کہانی نافرمانی، ضد اور غرور کے انجام کو ظاہر کرتی ہے۔ بڑوں کی نصیحت پر عمل نہ کرنے کا نتیجہ نقصان اور تباہی ہوتا ہے۔