Study Questions on the Aeneid

1. Which deity so completely hated the Trojans? Describe some of the problems her anger created for Aeneas and his companions after they fled Troy for Carthage.

2. In the conversation between Venus and Jupiter about the fate of the Trojans, what points does each advance? Know the important details of the promise made by Jupiter.

3. Describe Aeneas' entrance into Carthage and the circumstances of his first meeting with Dido.

4. What does Venus have Cupid do? Why?

Book 11

1. Note the highlights of Aeneas' story of the Greek conquest of Troy. Be sure you can relate in some detail the role of Ulysses. Who was Laocoon? What happened to Priam?

2. Who were Anchises and Ascanius? How did Aeneas manage to escape Troy?

Book 111

1. What were the major adventures undergone by Aeneas and his followers immediately after they left Troy?

2. Who was Cassandra? What horrible power did she have?

3. Who was Andromache? How did she help the Trojans? What fate does she predict for Aeneas?

4. Who was Palinurus? What were Scylla and Charybdis?

5. Relate the tale told by the Sailor who had accompanied Ulysses. How did Ulysses escape from Polyphemus?

Book IV

1. How did Dido feel towards Aeneas after he finished his tale? Who is responsible for her attitude? What is Juno's purpose in this affair? Note the role of Rumor.

2. Why does Jupiter become involved? What message did Aeneas receive and how did he react?

3. How does Dido react when she senses that Aeneas will leave?

4. Is Dido's resentment towards Aeneas justified? What eventually happens to Dido? What effect will this have on future relations between Rome and Carthage?

Book V

1. What prevents Aeneas from reaching the Italian shores? Where does he land instead? With whom does he find hospitality? Who was buried there? Why does Aeneas proclaim athletic games? Describe the games. Who wins the boat race? How does he win? Importance of horse race?

2. What do the Trojan women try to do? Why? How is the problem resolved? What does Aeneas decide to do? What is the fate of Palinurus?

Book Vl

1. Whom does Aeneas meet? What does she command Aeneas to do gain his wishes? Describe the journey to the Underworld. Whom does he meet along the way?

2. By what device does Virgil allow us to see the great personalities of Roman history yet to unfold? Who guides him in this historical panorama? Identify some of the people. Who seems to be most important?

Book V11

1. Where do Aeneas and his men land in Italy? Who is ruling over the Latins? Who is his daughter? What is the oracle about her?

2. What do the Trojans resolve to do? Are they successful? What is Juno's attitude? What does she plot? Who is Allecto?

3. Who is Turnus? Why is he so concerned about the Trojans? How does he react? What are the consequences? Name some of the Latin allies. Describe Turnus. Who is Camilla?

Book V111

1. Who is Evander? Importance to Aeneas? What is the purpose of the story of Hercules and Cacus?

2. How did Latium get its name? What important place does Evander show to Aeneas?

3. What does Venus request of Vulcan? Describe in detail the marvelous shield of Aeneas. How does it reflect Roman history?

Book IX

1. Describe Turnus' activities. How do the Trojans respond? What action do Nisus and Euryalus take? Why? Their fate?

2. What was the effect of the first assault on the Trojan camp?

Book X

1. What takes place on Mt. Olympus? What are the arguments of Venus and Juno? Jupiter's position?

2. Summarize the second assault on the Trojan position. How does Aeneas learn of the trapped Trojans? What effect does Aeneas have on the fighting?

3. What is the outcome of the duel between Tumus and Pallas? How does Juno trick and save Turnus? What is the effect on the battle after the departure of Turnus? What is the fate of Mezentias?

Book XI

1. What occurs between the Trojans and the Latins to stop the fighting? How do the envoys from Diomedes respond to the requests for aid made by Latinus?

2. As a consequence, what does Latinus recommend? What are the responses of Drances and Turnus?

3. What events force war to break out again? What is the strategem of Turnus to win the battle?

4. What deity shows special favor to Camilla? Why? Describe Camilla's exploits. Her fate? Effect on the Latins?

Book XII

1. What is the advice of Latinus? Effect on Turnus?

2. What effect does Juno's intervention have on the truce?

3. What misfortune befalls Aeneas? How is he restored?

4. Describe the ensuing battle. What does Jupiter promise June on behalf of the Ausonians?