In James Joyce's novel "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man," the main character is named after the Greek mythological figure Daedalus. Daedalus was a skilled craftsman known for creating the Labyrinth for King Minos of Crete. He is also famous for the tragic story involving his son Icarus.
1. Daedalus and his son Icarus were exiled to an island.
2. Daedalus crafted wings for himself and his son using wax, feathers, and strings.
3. He warned Icarus not to fly too close to the sun (too high) or too close to the sea (too low).
4. Ignoring his father's advice, Icarus flew too close to the sun, causing the wax on his wings to melt and leading to his tragic fall to his death.
The use of the myth of Daedalus and Icarus in Joyce's novel adds depth to the character and allows for a rich exploration of themes such as hubris, disobedience, and the consequences of ignoring warnings. This classical allusion enhances the reader's understanding of the protagonist's journey and inner conflicts in the novel.