Book 2 Scholarship

Question 1

Reckford on the furor of Aeneas

Answer 1

‘One reason cited by Servius auctus for the removal of the Helen passage by Varius and Tucca is that it shows Aeneas in a bad light, almost murdering a helpless woman….
‘it shows Aeneas in a bad light, almost murdering a helpless woman. Many critics today would reply that this was Virgil’s intention; that he placed his hero at this point of the story in what was, precisely, a bad light’

Question 2

R D Williams on Aeneas as a hero (not perfect but human)

Answer 2

’”He is no superhuman figure, he is very much an ordinary mortal’’

Question 3

K Perkell (Aeneas pietas questioned by a modern reader)

Answer 3

‘’Aeneas failed Creusa; he has much more care for his son and father’’

Question 4

Chaliakopoulos (gods and fate)

Answer 4

‘It was always a war of gods, and Laocoon had interfered with their plans.’

Question 5

Cowan

Answer 5

“Pius Aeneas, respectful of his duty to god, man, country and family, He is a model for the Emperor Augustus, a template for what a good Roman is expected to be “

Question 6

Semple

Answer 6

‘Virgil, in truth, hated war.’

Question 7

Mackie - good that he’s a puppet of the gods?

Answer 7

‘Aeneas’ general concern to facilitate fate is the cornerstone of his pietas’