Think it best to know what happens here in what order and to leave the stylistic problems aside for another class or extra-curriculur debate because we will only be reading Book Three in English translation.
Some things to remember about Book Three:
- This is the Book in which Aeneas acts the least and is driven the most by visions and oracles. What these visions and oracles tell us about the remainder of the poem is remarkable.
- The speech of Celaeno, leader of the Harpies, about "someday eating your tables".
I have posted a map (upon request) at left which may be helpful. You will need to "right click/save as" in order to view it or I can send you a copy via e-mail or you can wait to receive one the opening week of school. There is a test, during the school year, usually early in October, on its major features, including the twelve winds, the four cardinal directions, the voyage of Aeneas (Book Three).
I also recommend using the Oxford Classical Dictionary at the local library to find information on people and places you do not recognize. Even finding them online can be difficult and any online description of an ancient person or place needs to be verified using a reputable source. Or you can click here for a set of links I find useful and mostly accurate.
Be sure to wake up before reading Book IV because there is much to discuss. My apologies to any friends of Book III, especially you Book V.
