What is the significance of the reference to Icarus in the poem?

The reference to Icarus in the poem typically serves to symbolize the dangers of ambition. In Greek mythology, Icarus famously flew too close to the sun with wings made of feathers and wax, which ultimately melted, leading to his fall. This story illustrates the perils associated with overreaching and the consequences of hubris. While it can also reflect themes of tragic inevitability or the fleeting nature of success, the most common interpretation centers on the cautionary tale about unchecked ambition and the risks that come with striving for greatness beyond one's limits.