Aeneid Flashcards
(40 cards)
What does Virgil question the gods about in the opening paragraph?
Virgil questions why the gods are allowing Aeneas and the Trojans to suffer after they have been destined to found a new city.
(Book 1)
Which city is described as being loved by a goddess? Who is the goddess? What does she want for the city?
Carthage is loved by the goddess Juno. She wants to keep it prosperous and powerful.
(Book 1)
Why is the same goddess angry at the Trojans? Why is she using her powers to keep the Trojans lost at sea?
Juno is angry at the Trojans because of a prophecy stating that they will destroy Carthage. She uses her powers to cause a storm and delay their journey.
(Book 1)
Who does the goddess seek help from to cause a storm?
Juno seeks help from Aeolus, the god of winds.
(Book 1)
How is he bribed?
Aeolus is bribed by Juno with promises of a beautiful nymph as his wife.
(Book 1)
How does Aeneas react as the storm begins? Who does this remind you of?
Aeneas remains calm and heroic, leading his men through the storm. He shows leadership, which might remind you of other epic heroes like Odysseus.
(Book 1)
What does this demonstrate about ancient belief in the nature of heroism and death?
It shows that heroism in ancient times is linked to courage, leadership, and the ability to face death with dignity.
(Book 1)
Which god reacts to the stormy sea? Why is he angry?
Neptune reacts to the storm. He is angry because Aeolus has been meddling with the seas, a domain he controls.
(Book 1)
Describe how the ‘calming of the seas’ is a metaphor for Augustan Rome. What are some of the similarities?
The calming of the seas symbolizes the peace and stability Augustus brought to Rome after years of conflict. Just as the seas calm under Neptune’s control, Augustus restored order to Rome.
(Book 1)
Describe how Aeneas takes care of his men following their landing in Libya. What does he tell them? What type of leader does he seem to be?
Aeneas reassures his men and leads them to safety, demonstrating qualities of a responsible and caring leader.
(Book 1)
With which goddess’s help did the Greeks build the Trojan Horse?
The Greeks built the Trojan Horse with the help of Athena.
(Book 2)
Why did the Trojans think the Greeks left? Where did the Greeks hide their ships?
The Trojans believed the Greeks left after seeing their ships disappear behind the island of Tenedos.
(Book 2)
What are the different reactions to the apparent departure of the Greeks?
Some Trojans are suspicious, while others believe the Greeks truly left.
(Book 2)
Who warns the Trojans not to trust in the wooden horse the Greeks left behind? How does he try to convince the Trojans not to trust the horse?
Laocoon warns the Trojans not to trust the horse, throwing a spear at it to show it’s hollow.
(Book 2)
Why do the Trojans allow the prisoner to speak?
The Trojans allow Sinon to speak because they believe he is a Greek prisoner, and they want to hear his story.
(Book 2)
What does Sinon claim is the reason he was left behind?
Sinon claims that the Greeks abandoned him because they thought he had offended the gods.
(Book 2)
Why do the Trojans free Sinon? What does this show about them?
The Trojans free Sinon because they believe his story and think they have captured him in a moment of weakness. This shows their trust and naivety.
(Book 2)
What does Sinon say is the purpose of the big wooden horse?
Sinon says the wooden horse is an offering to Athena, meant to ensure the Greeks’ safe journey home.
(Book 2)
What does Sinon say will happen if the Trojans violate the wooden horse?
Sinon warns that if the Trojans harm the horse, they will incur the wrath of the gods.
(Book 2)
What happens to Laocoon and his two sons?
Laocoon and his sons are killed by two massive serpents sent by the gods, which causes the Trojans to believe they were punished for doubting the horse.
(Book 2)
What language in the opening paragraph describes Dido’s affliction?
The language describes Dido’s heart being consumed by a destructive and unrelenting passion for Aeneas.
(Book 4)
Who does Dido speak to about her feelings?
Dido speaks to her sister Anna about her feelings for Aeneas.
(Book 4)
How is Dido feeling conflicted? Why has Dido turned her face against remarriage?
Dido is conflicted because she loves Aeneas but knows it is wrong due to her vow to her deceased husband. She has turned against remarriage because of her grief.
(Book 4)
What reasons does Anna give as to why she should pursue Aeneas?
Anna argues that Dido should pursue Aeneas because he could bring great fortune and that the gods seem to favor him.
(Book 4)
