Aeneid Book 6 & 8 - Discussion Questions PDF

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February 8, 2016 Roman Civilization 1) When Aeneas meets his father in the underworld in book 6, is the prophecy about future Rome good news, bad news, or a mix? Quote some language from the text. When Aeneas meets his father in the underworld in book 6 he is told of a prophecy containing good news. His father Anchises states “They will crown Collatia’s hills with towers and will found Pometii and Inuus, Bola and Cora, famous names someday” (Aen. 6. 919). Over here Anchises is talking about their decedents that will someday take over certain areas and name them after them self. He then goes on to say, “under his auspices, Rome will extend her renowned empire to earths horizon, her glory to the stars.” (Aen. 6.924). Here Anchises is talking about Romulus and how he will bring fame to the empire. Lastly, he talks about Augustus Cesar. “Augustus Cesar, born to the gods, who will establish again a golden age” (Aen. 6. 940). 2) In the underworld journey in Book 6, what three events from his past remind Aeneas he must move forward? Why does Vergil keep associating the past with the future here and in this source in general? Quote some language from the text. The three events from his past that remind Aeneas he must move forward are seeing his dead friends at the bank of the river Styx, meeting Dido’s shade, and seeing the casualties of the Trojan War. “Where did you get this outrageous desire? Are you unburied to look upon the Styx, the furies stream and approach these shores… solemn offers, and forever the place will be called Palinurus” ” (Aen. 6.452-462). After offering to help Palinurus cross the River Styx, Palinurus rebuked him saying that he should not think of the past anymore. “Finally she left, a stranger to him now”(Aen. 6. 566). After meeting Dido and her running away, Aeneas continued on with his journey. “Here to are those wounded in their countries defense, … Bards whose words are worthy of Apollo” (Aen. 6. 767-769). It is in my opinion that Virgil keeps associating with the past to show Aeneas human nature. Virgil wants to show that Aeneas is not a god, one who doesn’t need to deal with the past, but instead that he is mortal. 2) At book 8.116-211 and 414-425, when Aeneas visits Evander at his home (the site of future Rome), are the places, atmosphere and language triumphal and proud, or are they humble in this pre-Roman world? Which attitude to you think is most conveyed here, and what could it mean for Aeneas and future Roman Civilization? Quote language from the text. In book 8, Pallas was heard to say, “Come forward, whoever you are, and speak to my father, face to face, as a guest at our hearth.” (Aen. 8.142-144). This goes to show that Aeneas received a humble welcoming. Another example is when Evander says “Bravest of the Teucrians, how gladly I receive you-and recognize you!” (Aen. 8.179) Evander even said “dare to despite riches, my guest; make yourself, too, Worthy of godhood; do not scorn my poverty (Aen. 8.240). He is trying to show Aeneas that he might not be rich and lavish, but he is doing the best that he can give and he hopes that Aeneas will be appreciative....