1. Does the character of Aeneas change through the first six book of the Aeneid? What constitutes Roman heroism for Virgil? It may be helpful for you to compare Aeneas to Homer’s Odysseus in answering this question.
2. Was Aeneas wrong to leave Dido? What is the thematic importance of Book IV in the story of Aeneas’ wandering and his formation as a Roman hero?
3. Why are the attempts of the Trojans to found a new settlement in Book III unsuccessful, and what do they learn about the nature of the community they will eventually establish in Italy?
4. What is the function of the major prophecies in the Aeneid?
5. How does Aeneas’ adventure in the underworld prepare him for the second half of the Aeneid? (Be sure to discuss the significant stages of his descent, the shades he meets, the manner of his exit, etc.)
6. Is Aeneas’ killing of Turnus in Book XII in accordance with his pietas and with Roman stoic heroism? What is the significance of the final scene of the poem?
7. Is Turnus a hero? Contrast his character with that of Aeneas.
8. If Jupiter is the supreme ruler of the Roman cosmos and has prior understanding of fatum, which he reveals near the beginning of Book I, how do we account for Juno’s destructive interventions through the narrative? What is the nature and significance of her reconciliation with Jupiter in Book XII?
Does anyone want to write this for me? Or know of a good place to find notes on the Aeneid? Anything would be a help. This is my last essay of the year, at last… Ah, such fun…
9 comments on “Aeneid”
Dood, I took Latin in h.s. and had to translate some of that stuff. I’m not saying I can write it, but lemme think and I might be able to help ya w/the paper. When’s it due?
oh, that’d be great. It’s due Monday but I’m hoping to finish it today or tomorrow morning.
btw, mind if I add you to my friends page?
sure you can. i’ll add you when i get the chance.
I don’t have any resources for you, but I would pick #5 – it has the most information that you can utilize in your answer.
Good luck!
Yeah, I’m thinking of doing #5, but his exit is quite complicated thematically.
Good, it gives you more to write about rather than hunting for BS.. true?
yes, quite true, though BS is my specialty
It’s a handy craft to be utilized in times of necessity, but I’ve always found that if I know what I’m talking about that will be better than ANY BS I pull together – LOL!
lol yeah, knowing you you’re talking about is usually best