Aeneid VI, Lines 398 - 410

Question 1

“‘nullae hic… terreat umbras,”

Answer 1

• In these opening lines of her reply to Charon, the Sibyl strikes a balance between firm, but polite and impatient mockery, aimed at pricking Charon’s pomposity.

Question 2

“nullae” and “nec”

Answer 2

• The use of 2 negatives at the start of 2 lines strikes a note of refutaion, as she seeks to persuade Charon that his suspicions about Aeneas’ intentions are unfounded.
• The brevity of the phrasing and the use of an imperative to help to strike a very blunt direct tone.

Question 3

“licet”

This word is repeated throughout the Sibyl’s speech.

Answer 3

• The repetition of “licet” further underscores the Sibyl’s insistence that Aeneas does not pose the same threat as Hercules or Theseus and Pirithous; Cerberus and Proserpina will go on doing as the always do.

Question 4

“Troius Aeneas, pietate insignis et armis”

Answer 4

• The reference to Aeneas, made in the most respectful terms as the Sibyl highlights both Aeneas’ defining “pietas”(his dutifulness) and his skill and fortitude in battle.

Question 5

“ramum”

This word is repeated in this line.

Answer 5

• Repetition of this noun places emphasis of the golden bough at this dramatic moment.

Question 6

“nec plura his”

Answer 6

• Brevity of phrasing conveys how rapidly Charon moves from talk to business like activity

Question 7

“venerabile donum…tempore visum”

Answer 7

• Lengthy description of the golden branch, marks it out as significant.
• The veiled reference to an earlier instance generates the impression that this is a rare and special object.

Question 8

“puppim ripaeque propinquat”

Answer 8

• the repetitive of “p” sound here arguably helps to suggests repeated strokes bringing Charon’s boat purposefully to shore.