In the Greek myth "Daedalus and Icarus", why do you think Icarus did not obey his father's instructions to not fly too close to the sun?

Question

The Greek Myth of Daedalus and Icarus

    Once upon a time in Ancient Greece, there was an architect by the name of Daedalus who loved his son and his work above all else. When the king of the island of Crete entrusted Daedalus with the job of designing and building his new palace, Daedalus was overjoyed and took his son, Icarus, to accompany him on the new project.He worked long and hard; the palace he built was nothing short of spectacular. The gardens were as beautiful as in a fairy tale, the living quarters were fit for a king, and there was an underground labyrinth that was supposed to be kept secret. The king inspected the finished project and loved it. Daedalus thought his job was through and started packing his and Icarus' belongings for the trip back home. The king, however, had other plans. If he was to ensure the labyrinth would be kept a secret, then he could not allow Daedalus and Icarus to leave! Trying to be nice, the king provided the architect and Icarus luxurious living space in the highest tower of the new palace, fine foods, even servants. None of it, however, could replace their freedom or their home.  

     Wise and patient, Daedalus started feeding wild birds on a windowsill. Every day as the birds ate, they shed a few feathers. After awhile, Daedalus had collected a lot of feathers and some leftover wax candles. As part of an escape plan, Daedalus fashioned two sets of wings with feathers set in wax. Donning one, he gave the other set to his son, Icarus, but warned him: "Don't fly too low or the sea will soak your feathers. Don't fly too high or the sun will melt your wax."

     Together they flew from their prison, up into the air. Icarus beat his arms and soared after his father. The sea shimmered below him. To fly, he thought! To soar with the gulls! He loved it. Icarus grew so excited by his new power, he flew upward toward the clouds, disregarding his father's warning.

     Suddenly, a feather loosened from his artificial wings.Then another fell off. He stared at them. The wax was melting fast! His wings were coming apart! He had flown too close to the sun!

     At this very moment Daedalus turned and could do nothing but watch helplessly as the wax melted from Icarus' wings, and Icarus plummeted to the unforgiving sea. 

 

*Source: Jacob’s Ladder Reading Comprehension Program, Joyce VanTassel-Baska and Tamra Stambaugh

Answer 1

It's a cautionary tale. The enthusiasms of youth should be tempered by the wisdom of age; or, more generally, "Do what your parents tell you or there may be dire consequences."