The heroic world: characterisation and themes

Question 1

Concepts, values and behaviour of a Greek and Roman hero

Question 2

Role of Aeneas in Rome’s Imperial destiny

Question 3

Portrayal of war

Answer 3

Virgil was 21 when the civil wars began, and 40 when they ended with the death of Anthony. So he experienced war for most of his adult life.

Virgil questions the Homeric ideal of unthinking pursuit of war for personal glory. He sees it more as a means to restore civilisation. He does this by showing Aeneas as a hero who avoids conflict.

Question 4

Societies in the Aeneid - Trojans

Answer 4

Description of the place

Characters -

Homeric references -

Question 5

Societies in the Aeneid - Greeks

Answer 5

Description of the place -

Characters -

Homeric references -

Question 6

Societies in the Aeneid - Carthaginians

Answer 6

Description of the place -

Characters -

Homeric references -

Question 7

Societies in the Aeneid - Italians

Answer 7

Description of the place -

Characters -

Homeric references -