Beginning the Aeneid

Keep it simple. The Aeneid is an expansive work of art so it is only wise, whenever possible, to simplify certain aspects of reading it. During the course of the Summer, our focus will be to accomplish a reading of the poem in English, though questions you may have about the Latin are welcome.

The Aeneid involves many characters, places and plot twists. As you read, try to keep track of whom you meet, where they are, and what they are doing. The list provided in your summer packet is a good place to start. Identify each of those characters by the three criteria above and complete the work by referencing the book and line numbers of each encounter with the item.

Keep the following in mind as you begin reading;

1) The Aeneid is both a "command" compostion and the highest effort of an inspired poet.
2) It was written at the suggestion of Augustus (the former Octavian), who saw a need for a respectable national literature to match the stature of the Homeric poems (Iliad and Odyssey)and Greek tragedy.
3) Not only did Augustus wish that literature to glorify the Empire and his new era of peace following the civil wars, but he sought a conclusive definition of the myth of his own divinity.
4) Vergil was a somewhat shy, scholarly recluse, so the distinctive feature of the Aeneid is its perfection. It is artificiality imbued with remarkable sincerity.
5) Vergil used the Iliad and Odyssey as models. (Much more on this later)
6) The most notable episode of the Aeneid (and there are many) is the Dido story, largely based on the love of Jason and Medea in the Argonautica of Apollonius Rhodius.
7) The cardinal theme of the Aeneid is the divinely-watched destiny of Rome.

Happy Reading!!!