Answer These Study Questions For My Classics Class.

Study Questions for Virgil’s Aeneid

Book 1:

1. The Aeneid begins in medias res. Explain.

2. What is the goal of Aeneas and why is Juno (Hera) attempting to block this?

3. Identify one simile and explain its significance.

4. Who is Dido and what is her story?

Book 2:

1. For Priam, compare

Aen. 2. 184 - 92, 629-92

Il. 24. 281-506

2. For Hector, Andromache, compare

Aen. 2. 339-75, 566-71

Il. 3. 38-94; 6. 237-529; 16. 712-854; 22; 24

3. For Helen, cf.

Aen. 2. 704-27

Il. 3. 121-45, 149-76; 24. 760-75

4. Describe the Fall of Troy, mentioning Ulysses (Odysseus), Minerva (Athena),

Thymoetes, Capys, Laocoon, Sinon, Palamedes, Calchas, the image of Pallas Athena (Palladium),

Cassandra, Aeneas, Panthus, Coroebus, Androgeos, Priam, Cruesa, Anchises.

5. Identify an epic simile and explain its significance.

6. How does the snake imagery comment on the action?

Book 4:

1. Trace the imagery of flame/fire and wounds as it leads to the death of Dido. Relate this to the hunting/huntress/hunter motif.

2. How does Dido die?

3. Who is Anna? What reasons does she give to Dido for marrying Aeneas?

4. Explain the plot of Juno. What is her motive?

5. Compare Aen. 4. 278- 97 to Aen.1. 307-55.

6. Who is Iarbas? How does he advance the plot?

Book 6:

1. Describe Virgil’s picture of the Underworld.

2. What is the future that Anchises reveals to Aeneas?