malcolm x post 8- (graded #5).

"'Never fly but so high with these wings that he fastened with wax,' the father said. But soaring around, this way, that way, Icarus' flying pleased him so that he began thinking he was flying over his merit. Higher, he flew- higher- until the heat of the sun melted the wax holding those wings. And down came Icarus- tumbling" (Haley 293). 

I really like this quote and how well it foreshadowed what was going to happen to Malcolm. Malcolm admits that his "wings" came from the nation of Islam and he would not take advantage of them.  He also states "That fact I never have forgotten... not for one second" (Haley 293).  But, unfortunately we see that Malcolm does forget this important aspect and because of his ego and arrogance, he ends up getting way over his head.  Although Malcolm is completely devoted to Muhammad, after a while we see that Malcolm feels he is superior and can say and do almost anything.  He starts to become aggressive when giving speeches to the people and saying things he knows he shouldn't, despite Muhammad's request.  He does this one too many times and Muhammad is not happy with him.  Muhammad even hints to Malcolm that he gave Malcolm whatever power he has and not to take advantage of it.  I find that sometimes we just all get too ahead of ourselves and don't even realize.  Unfortunately, in Malcolm's situation, this was no excuse.  Also, for everyone their "true colors" will eventually show and that special thing holding them together will break.  And as we know this uprise Malcolm felt soon fell down very fast. 

I can relate to Icarus because I know for myself, occasionally I tend to forget about reality and think that I can do much more than I really can.  Also, when I am caught up with school I can become stressed out and think everything revolves around me, my needs, and how I am feeling.  This is not something I like to do and try to remind myself not to get this way.  But, when I do forget luckily I have family and friends to remind me to re-consider my conduct.  

The website below is the complete story of Icarus and his father and it thought it was interesting to read because it is obviously the same portraying the same message as in the above quote, but it goes into more detail. 

http://www.hse.k12.in.us/staff/DBROVIAK/Page%20files/Mythology/Stories/Icarus.htm