Analysis of Edward Field's Adaptation of the Icarus Myth

The story of Icarus, a mythical character from antiquity, has long captivated the imagination of poets and artists, serving as a source of inspiration for creative reinterpretations. In Edward Field's poem, "Icarus," we encounter a fascinating adaptation of this timeless myth, reimagined within the context of the twentieth century. Field masterfully employs irony and figurative language to weave a narrative that contrasts sharply with the traditional portrayal of Icarus. This essay explores the transformative power of Field's adaptation, delving into the rich tapestry of irony and diction that reshapes the age-old tale and places it in a modern setting.

Irony: A Key Element of Transformation

From the outset, it becomes evident that irony plays a central role in Field's adaptation of the Icarus myth. The poem opens with a description of the setting and its inhabitants, immediately setting a tone of irony and contrast. In a world starkly different from the mythological past, Field portrays witnesses of Icarus's fall as individuals who "did not pause in the air / To get a breath of air" (Field).

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This ironic reversal of roles, where the witnesses seem indifferent to the dramatic event unfolding before them, underscores the detachment of the modern world from the epic narratives of the past.

Further irony arises when Field notes that these witnesses, instead of rushing to aid Icarus, "ran off to a gang war" (Field). Here, the mythic tragedy of Icarus's fall is juxtaposed with the mundane violence of a "gang war," highlighting the trivialization of human experiences in the contemporary setting.

The indifference of the witnesses and their focus on societal conflicts rather than a fallen hero exemplify the jarring disconnect between the mythic and modern worlds.

Additionally, Field's description of Icarus's police report as "filed and forgotten" is laden with irony (Field). In the myth, Icarus's flight too close to the sun and subsequent fall are remembered as cautionary tales for generations to come. However, in this modern interpretation, the bureaucratic response of filing and forgetting the incident reflects society's tendency to overlook the profound and focus on the routine. This ironic twist serves to emphasize the disillusionment of the contemporary world, where even extraordinary events can be reduced to bureaucratic formalities.

Figurative Language and Contemporary Diction

Field employs a deliberate choice of diction to signal the reader that his adaptation of the Icarus myth is set in a more contemporary era. The use of terms such as "suit," "gang war," "committees," and "trains" evokes a modern, urban landscape (Field). These words anchor the poem firmly in the twentieth century, signaling a departure from the grandeur and timelessness often associated with classical myths.

Furthermore, Field's approach to the poem's language differs markedly from the monumental and elevated style often found in older poems and stories. Rather than striving for a sense of grandeur, Field opts for a matter-of-fact and conversational tone. This choice of language reflects the disillusionment and desensitization of a contemporary society accustomed to extraordinary events.

Field's skillful adaptation retains the intrinsic allure of the Icarus myth while subtly signaling that this is a modern retelling. His adept use of diction and figurative language helps create a vivid and contemporary atmosphere that contrasts with the classical setting of the original myth.

A Reflection of Modernity

Edward Field's adaptation of the Icarus myth serves as a compelling reflection of the modern age. Through the lens of irony and contemporary diction, Field portrays a world where the heroic and the mundane coexist, often indistinguishable from one another. The poem underscores the disconnection between the mythic past and the disillusioned present, where extraordinary events are reduced to commonplace occurrences.

Field's adaptation challenges our perceptions of storytelling and highlights the adaptability of ancient myths in contemporary contexts. It prompts us to question how the narratives of our time may differ from those of the past and encourages a deeper exploration of the evolving nature of storytelling and its enduring relevance.

Conclusion

Edward Field's "Icarus" offers a thought-provoking reinterpretation of the classic myth, demonstrating the power of transformation through irony and figurative language. By placing Icarus in a modern, disenchanted world, Field invites us to consider the changing narratives of our time and the enduring fascination with ancient tales. In doing so, Field's adaptation invites us to reflect on the evolving nature of storytelling and the ways in which we perceive and interpret the world around us.