OCTOBER 30/31: FROM TROY TO
ITALY...FROM HOMER TO VIRGIL (Aeneid, bks. 2-3)
READINGS (Monday class, October 30): Aeneid,
books 2-3, pp. 29-80 (pp. 27-78,
in newer printings).
READINGS (Tuesday night class, October
31): Aeneid,
books 2-3, pp. 29-80 (pp. 27-78, in newer printings).
Summary:
In our discussion of
Aeneas’ story of the fall
of Troy, we will consider Virgil’s creative use of the Homeric epics,
and the way he describes Aeneas’ gradual transformation into a Roman
hero. This journey continues in book 3 as Aeneas leads the Trojans on a
search for their promised homeland, a perilous quest that highlights
Aeneas' imperfect understanding of his mission.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: INTERPRETING AND
APPRECIATING THE AENEID (Books two and three)
Book two: the fall of Troy
-How does Aeneas feel about the sack of Troy and the loss of
his city?
-Summarize Sinon's stories. Why does Virgil have Sinon tell such
an elaborate story?
-Describe and explain Aeneas' response to his dream of Hector's ghost
(395-404) and to the advice of the priest, PANTHUS (442-6).
-COMPARING WORKS>>> How does Virgil use the Iliad in
his description of Priam's death (589-750)? How does your
knowledge of the Iliad affect your reading of this scene?
-What is the point of the vision Venus reveals to Aeneas (817-56)?
-How does Aeneas, the narrator, express his own viewpoint through his
story?
Book three: Aeneas' journey
-In what places does Aeneas try - unsuccessfully - to settle and
establish
his city? Why do these foundations fail? What do they tell us about the
perils
of Aeneas' mission?
-What prophecies does Aeneas receive about his future? What are their
key
elements? How are they understood - or misunderstood?
-Aeneas promises Andromache that their cities will one day be "one Troy
in
spirit" (654-55). Is the city of Helenus and Andromache a model for
Aeneas'
city? Why or why not?
-How does Virgil use the figure of Hektor - and recollections of his
role
in the Iliad - during Aeneas' meeting with Andromache and Helenus?
-What is the purpose of Achaemenides' long story of the Cyclops?