the aeneid book 1 summary Flashcards
mr gee commentary
What major themes are introduced through Virgil’s appeal to the Muse?
Aeneas’ travels and trials in search of his destiny and fate to achieve greatness.
The story focuses on Aeneas’ journey after the destruction of Troy and the founding of Lavinium.
Who tries to obstruct Aeneas’ progress during his travels?
Juno
Juno’s hatred blights Aeneas throughout his journey.
What is Juno’s first intervention in Aeneas’ journey?
She bribes Aeolus to scatter the Trojan fleet.
Aeolus is the King of the Winds.
Which god saves the Trojans from death when they land on the north coast of Africa?
Neptune
Neptune liberates the Trojans from death.
What does Aeneas try to do to raise the spirits of his men?
He tries to raise their spirits with his words.
Aeneas is troubled inside himself during this moment.
Who is Aeneas’ father and what happens to him?
Anchises; he has died in Sicily.
Aeneas is sailing towards Italy after his father’s death.
What is Venus’s complaint to Jupiter about Aeneas?
She criticizes Jupiter for the mistreatment Aeneas has faced due to Juno’s plotting.
Venus is Aeneas’ mother.
What does Jupiter promise Aeneas regarding his future?
He will win his wars in Italy and found the city of Lavinium.
This city will lead to the founding of Alba Longa and eventually Rome.
Who does Jupiter send to Carthage to ensure a warm welcome for the Trojans?
Mercury (Hermes)
Mercury is sent with good intentions for Aeneas and his men.
What guise does Venus take when she meets Aeneas and Achates?
A hunter
She informs them about Dido and her colonization attempts.
What was Dido’s situation before founding Carthage?
She was married to Sychaeus, who was killed by her brother Pygmalion.
Pygmalion desired Sychaeus’ wealth.
How does Dido escape Tyre?
She is informed by Sychaeus’ ghost about where to find gold to aid her escape.
Dido leaves with a few loyal followers.
What do Aeneas and Achates observe about Carthage?
They see the industrious building of the city in a thick mist created by Venus.
The mist allows them to study the city closely.
What do Aeneas and Achates find depicted on the walls of the temple in Carthage?
Depictions of the sack of Troy.
The temple is dedicated to Juno.
How does Dido treat the captains of Aeneas’ missing ships?
She gives them a warm welcome.
This reinforces her role as a just leader.
What does Aeneas do to honor Dido?
He sends for his son Ascanius to bring gifts for her.
This gesture shows his gratitude.
What does Venus do to ensure Aeneas is well received in Carthage?
She sends Cupid to make Dido fall in love with Aeneas.
This ensures Aeneas remains in Carthage longer.
What does Dido persuade Aeneas to recount?
The fall of Troy and his seven years of wandering.
This is to keep Aeneas in Carthage for as long as possible.
What is the significance of the appeal to the Muse at the beginning of the Aeneid?
It is a matter of protocol by Virgil’s day, serving as a comparison to Homer, particularly the Odyssey.
What are the two main exceptions that differentiate Odysseus from Aeneas?
- Odysseus was not duty bound to return home
- Aeneas is a figure of pietas, prioritizing his duties to the gods and followers.
Who is the major villainous deity of the Aeneid?
Juno
What is Juno’s motivation in the Aeneid?
- She loves Carthage
- She wants to stop Rome from being built
- She seeks revenge for the Trojan War.
According to R.D. Williams, what is the Aeneid essentially about?
An exploration of varying and sometimes contrasting aspects of human experience.
What narrative technique does Virgil use in the Aeneid?
In medias res
How is Aeneas portrayed in the Aeneid?
He is a somewhat lonely and isolated figure who doubts himself and his capabilities.
What does the term ‘pietas’ encompass in the context of Aeneas?
- Caring
- Duty
- Loyalty
- Responsibility
- Virtue
What qualities make Aeneas a commendable leader?
- Devotion to his men
- Intelligent planning
- Sense of duty and responsibility.
What key theme is introduced in the opening lines of the Aeneid?
The theme of arms and the man, reflecting Aeneas’ willingness to fight when necessary.
What does the Aeneid say about Rome’s destiny?
Rome is destined to rule the world, as willed by the gods.
Which prominent figures are mentioned in relation to Rome’s future greatness?
- Romulus
- Remus
- Augustus
What does Jupiter predict regarding Rome?
Rome will have an empire that will know no end.
How does Virgil depict Carthage in the Aeneid?
In a favourable light, particularly through the character of Queen Dido.
What was the significance of the Punic Wars for Rome?
They led to significant social, economic, and political changes in Rome.
What does Virgil’s portrayal of Carthage suggest about Rome’s greatness?
Carthage was also great, which adds to Rome’s glory by defeating a formidable foe.
Who is Dido in the Aeneid?
Dido is a memorable supporting character, the spirit of xenia, and a foil for Aeneas.
What role does Dido play in relation to Aeneas?
Dido acts as an obstacle to Aeneas, influenced by Cupid’s love for him.
What is the significance of Dido’s love for Aeneas?
Dido’s love, caused by Venus and Cupid, highlights Aeneas’ struggle between personal desires and his duty.
What does Dido’s character represent in the Aeneid?
Dido represents the complexities of love and duty, embodying the spirit of hospitality.
How are the Carthaginians depicted in their efforts?
They are depicted as toiling ‘like bees at the beginning of summer’ to build their new city.
What do the Carthaginians’ actions symbolize?
Their actions symbolize the Roman values of civilization, law, and public amenities.
What irony is present in Dido’s relationship with Aeneas?
Dido’s obsessive love is portrayed as a demonic force, influenced by external manipulation.
What is the most widely remembered episode in the Aeneid?
The love affair between Aeneas and Dido.
What themes are present in Book 1 of the Aeneid regarding Aeneas and Dido?
Themes of frankness, warmth, shared suffering, and intimacy.
What foreshadowing occurs in Book 1 regarding Dido?
Dido is referred to as the ‘doomed Dido,’ hinting at her tragic fate.
What literary techniques does Virgil employ in Book 1?
Virgil uses vivid descriptions, similes, and epithets.
How does Virgil’s style compare to Homer’s?
Virgil borrows from Homer but maintains his own style, knowledge, and taste.
Fill in the blank: Dido’s love for Aeneas is described as a _______ force that her will could not overcome.
demonic
True or False: Dido would have welcomed Aeneas and the Trojans without Juno’s intervention.
True
What does Juno’s intervention signify in the context of Dido’s relationship with Aeneas?
It signifies external manipulation that complicates their relationship.
What does the phrase ‘the obsessive love that seizes her’ imply about Dido?
It implies that her love for Aeneas is overwhelming and uncontrollable.
