Question

What element from Ovid's "The story of Daedalus and Icarus" did Pieter Bruegel keep in his painting Landscape with the fall of Icarus? A. Daedalus creation of wings and his instructions on how to use them B. Icarus's joy and triumph in flying so high in the sky C. The theme that trying too hard or aiming to high can cause one to fail D. Minos's imprisonment of Daedalus and his son

Answer 1

Answer:

C. The theme that trying too hard or aiming to high can cause one to fail.

Explanation:

Ovid's story of Daedalus and Icarus tells the mythical tale of an imprisoned Daedalus making wings with wax and using it to escape from the island that he and his son were kept in. Meanwhile, Pieter Bruegel's oil painting "Landscape with the Fall of Icarus" presents an image of the fall of Icarus with only his legs visible above the water while he fell from the sky, plunging head first.

In the painting, though the character of Daedalus isn't visible, the theme of trying too hard which led to the disastrous drowning is perfectly shown through the fall of Icarus. This theme of aiming too high or getting greedy from the myth seems to be the common element that Bruegel retain in his painting.