OCTOBER 30/31:  FROM TROY TO ITALY...FROM HOMER TO VIRGIL (Aeneid, bks. 2-3)
READINGS (Monday class, October 30): Aeneid, books 2-3, pp. 29-80 (pp. 27-78, in newer printings).
READINGS (Tuesday night class, October 31): Aeneid, books 2-3, pp. 29-80 (pp. 27-78, in newer printings).
Summary: In our discussion of Aeneas’ story of the fall of Troy, we will consider Virgil’s creative use of the Homeric epics, and the way he describes Aeneas’ gradual transformation into a Roman hero. This journey continues in book 3 as Aeneas leads the Trojans on a search for their promised homeland, a perilous quest that highlights Aeneas' imperfect understanding of his mission.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: INTERPRETING AND APPRECIATING THE AENEID (Books two and three)
Book two: the fall of Troy
-How does Aeneas feel about the sack of Troy and the loss of his city?
-Summarize Sinon's stories.  Why does Virgil have Sinon tell such an elaborate story?
-Describe and explain Aeneas' response to his dream of Hector's ghost (395-404) and to the advice of the priest, PANTHUS (442-6).
-COMPARING WORKS>>> How does Virgil use the Iliad in his description of Priam's death (589-750)?  How does your knowledge of the Iliad affect your reading of this scene?
-What is the point of the vision Venus reveals to Aeneas (817-56)?
-How does Aeneas, the narrator, express his own viewpoint through his story?
Book three: Aeneas' journey
-In what places does Aeneas try - unsuccessfully - to settle and establish his city? Why do these foundations fail? What do they tell us about the perils of Aeneas' mission?
-What prophecies does Aeneas receive about his future? What are their key elements? How are they understood - or misunderstood?
-Aeneas promises Andromache that their cities will one day be "one Troy in spirit" (654-55). Is the city of Helenus and Andromache a model for Aeneas' city? Why or why not?
-How does Virgil use the figure of Hektor - and recollections of his role in the Iliad - during Aeneas' meeting with Andromache and Helenus?
-What is the purpose of Achaemenides' long story of the Cyclops?

AENEID: SUMMARY OF THE PLOT
AENEID: COMMENTARY ON BOOKS 1 AND 2
NOVEMBER 1/7 (AENEID BOOK 4)
SCHEDULE OF READINGS (Monday/Wednesday)
SCHEDULE OF READINGS (Tuesday night)
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