NOVEMBER 1/7: THE TRAGEDY OF DIDO, THE PRICE OF EMPIRE (Aeneid, bk. 4)
READINGS (Wednesday class, November 1): the Aeneid, bk 4, pp.  81-104 (pp. 79-102 in newer printings)
READINGS (Tuesday night class, November 7): the Aeneid, bk 4, pp.  81-104; bk 6, pp. 133-62; bk 8, pp.191-214; bk 9, lines 232-667, pp. 221-31; bk 10, lines 399-1248, pp. 253-73; bk. 12, lines 674-1271, pp. 321-36 (pp. 79-102, 131-60, 188-211, 218-28, 249-69, 316-31 in newer printings); be sure to continue to the webnotes for books 6-12
Summary: Virgil’s account of the tragic love affair of Aeneas and Dido (book 4) offers an opportunity for him to reflect on human passions, to assess the enormous cost of Aeneas’ achievements, and to respond to the victims of Rome’s conquests.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: INTERPRETING AND APPRECIATING THE AENEID
Book four: Dido and Aeneas
-What arguments does Anna use to persuade Dido to accept her love for Aeneas (4.38-73)?  Are they decisive?
-How does Virgil use images and similes to develop the story of Dido and Aeneas?  Consider the simile of the doe (4.90-97); the description of ATLAS (4.329-36); the simile comparing Dido to Pentheus and Orestes (characters in Greek tragedies) (4.647-53); and the description of night (4.723-30).
-COMPARING WORKS>>> Compare Virgil’s view of love with that expressed in the Antigone.
-How does Mercury persuade Aeneas to leave Dido (4.353-69)?
-COMPARING WORKS>>> What is the role of the gods in the story of Aeneas and Dido?  Are they like the gods of the Iliad?
-What is your response to Aeneas' answer to Dido (4.449-92)?
-How does Virgil link the story of Dido and Aeneas with Roman history?
-Explain Virgil's comments on Dido's death (4.958-61).
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The love affair between Aeneas and Dido presents a conflict between love and duty that has become a stereotype of many romantic stories.  Compare a modern example of such a story in film or literature with that of Aeneas and Dido.
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SCHEDULE OF READINGS (Monday/Wednesday)
SCHEDULE OF READINGS (Tuesday night)
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