Aeneid Book 9,10,12 - Discussion Questions PDF

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Discussion Questions for February 22, 2016

1) In book 9 of the Aeneid, how does Vergil portray the attack of Nisus and Euryalus upon the Rutulians, and then the deaths of the two Trojans? Is the portrayal sympathetic or brutal? Virgil portrays the attack as brutal. This is known because of many things. “Finding him at his horses feet, and then severed the horses drooping necks. Then he decapitated Rhanmes himself and left the trunk spurting blood.” (Aen. 9.393395). This scene is quite graphic and disturbing. It describes how they killed a sleeping man in cold blood. Another instance “As he rose, Euryalous buried his sword deep into his chest up to the hilt and then pulled it out drenched in death. (Aen. 9.411-414). They murdered the man named Rhoetus before he could even get up. “Thus Nisus, but the sword driven home with force, sliced through the ribs and gashed the white breast. Euryalous rolled over dead.” (Aen. 9. 515-517). Volcens killed Nisus friend in revenge even after he found out who killed his comrades, causing Nisus to get enraged and kill him before he himself died. 2) In book 10 of the Aeneid, how does Vergil portray the death of Lausus at the hands of Aeneas? Is Aeneas a brute or a hero? How might the killing reflect upon the character of future Roman civilization? Quote language from the text. Virgil portrays the death of Lausus as heroic. “Lasus parried the blade from below, and held the hero in check.” (Aen. 10. 953-954) Lasus dies honorably while saving his father. Aeneas can be considered a brute for the way he killed Lausus, however he can also be considered heroic as after the death of Lausus. “Then he scolded Lausus’ men for hanging back and lifted their bloody prince off the ground.” (Aen. 10. 994-995) Aeneas told them to come take his body after the battle. The killing of Lasus might reflect upon the future Roman civilization because of brutality associated with it. The future roman are all about war and fighting and even enjoyed and thrived upon it. However they were also very honorable and respected the dead. 3) In book 12 of the Aeneid, how does Vergil portray the death of Turnus at the hands of Aeneas? Based on Vergil’s language in the final scene, and within the context of the Aeneid, should Aeneas have killed Turnus or not? How might the actual killing reflect upon the character of future Roman civilization? Quote language from the text. Vergil portrays the death of Turnus at the hands of Aeneas as semi barbaric and full of vengeance. “Do you think you can get away from me, while you wear the spoils from one of my men?” (Aen.12.1,150-1,515). He says this before in blind rage kills Turnus. Aeneas should not have killed Turnus, however he could not control himself when he saw Pallas’ belt. “Turners words were winning him over, until his gaze shifted. ” (Aen.12.1,42-1,543) This killing might reflect upon the character of future Roman civilization because it shows the more barbaric side of the Romans, such as the gladiator fights....