The Aeneid OCR A level

Book 2 of the Aeneid

Written in a style reminiscent of the Iliad, set during Troy's destruction.

Aeneas' affair with Dido

Evokes Odysseus' affairs with Calypso and Circe, ends disastrously.

Pallas

Evokes Patroclus, close ally of Aeneas, killed by Turnus.

Nisus and Euryalus

Romantic relationship evokes Achilles and Patroclus, ends tragically.

Turnus

Similar to Achilles and Hector, called a second Achilles, mighty in war.

Camilla

Clearly evokes Penthesilia in the Aeneid.

Greek Homeric Heroes

Desire kleos (glory) in battle, secure time (honour), act as leaders.

Turnus as a Greek Hero

Ferocious in battle, keen for glory, supported by Juno.

Nisus and Euryalus as Greek Heroes

Act like Greek Homeric heroes, desire kleos in warfare.

Roman Hero in the Aeneid

Characterized by the virtue of pietas (devotion), acts with loyalty and duty.

Aeneas

Acts out of pietas, criticized for lack of emotion, leads his people.

Turnus' Sympathy

Debated if sympathetic, driven by furor, brave and capable general.

Latinus

Presented sympathetically, wise, aware of Aeneas' destiny.

Aeneas' Imperial Destiny

Mission to found Rome, dedicated despite initial reluctance.

Portrayal of War in Aeneid

Partially heroic, influenced by Homer's aristeia, glorifies Roman expansionism.

Ascanius' Virtus

Ascanius' act of killing a Latin warrior with a bow and arrow, praised by Apollo, symbolizing his manhood

Destruction of Troy

The dark and inglorious portrayal in Book 2, highlighting the trickery of Sinon and Ulixes, and the horrific deaths of Priam and Polites

Aeneas' Sacrifice

Aeneas saving his family by carrying Anchises, guiding Ascanius and Cruesa, with Cruesa dying in the process

Amata's Fear

Amata hanging herself in fear when Aeneas attacks the city of Latinus in Book 12

Nisus and Euryalus Tragedy

The tragic deaths of Nisus and Euryalus due to Euryalus' desire for glory and fatal mistake

Camilla's Death

The tragic death of Camilla in battle, mirroring the tragic deaths of Nisus and Euryalus

Trojan Wealth

Description of the wealthy Trojan city with gilded beams, rich ornamentation, and luxury items

Greeks in Aeneid

Initial vilification due to trickery and cruelty, contrasting with loyal Arcadians like Evander and Pallas

Carthaginian Society

Initially admired for civility but critiqued for Dido's downfall due to furor and gender roles

Latin Idealization

The Latins as idealized ancestors, worshipping Roman deities and living simply yet with wealth

Conflict of Pietas and Furor

Essential conflict highlighted in Book 1, where pietas overcomes destructive furor

Aeneas' Pietas

Aeneas' devotion to family, gods, and state shown through various actions and decisions

Ascanius' Pietas

Consistent display of pietas by Ascanius, following orders and showing respect to allies

Lausus' Pietas

Lausus' act of pietas towards his father Mezentius, sacrificing himself to protect his wounded father

Mezentius' Reflection

Mezentius showcasing regret and pietas after the death of his son Lausus, reflecting on his past actions

Dido's Furor

Dido's passionate love and madness fueled by furor over her rejection by Aeneas

Furor

Intense passion leading to madness, seen in Dido, Turnus, and Aeneas

Minor Characters

Supporting characters influenced by gods to act with furor

Fate and Destiny

Jupiter decrees fate, predetermined events with a flexible journey

Immortals

Gods and goddesses influencing and supporting mortals

Jupiter

Decrees fate, supports Aeneas indirectly, intervenes subtly

Venus

Directly aids Aeneas, influences his actions and fate

Junon

Obstructs Aeneas, supports mortals she favors, like Dido and Turnus

Relationships Between Mortals

Interactions influenced by gods, love often portrayed as destructive

Dangers of Relationships

Love affairs leading to tragedy and personal suffering

Family and Friendship

Father-son relationships crucial for family continuity and destiny

Aristeia

Moment of outstanding military prowess, often driven by furor

Pietas

Sense of duty, loyalty, and respect for the gods and family

Kleos

Glory and fame achieved through heroic actions

Allecto

Fury inciting characters to act with furor, causing chaos

Prophecy

Foretelling of future events, guiding characters' actions

Free Will

Ability to make choices independent of fate, impacting smaller events

Aeneas' Shield

Divine armor crafted by Vulcan, symbolizing protection and destiny

Laocoon

Priest sacrificed by the gods despite his devotion

Punic Wars

Wars between Rome and Carthage, influenced by Dido's curse

Ascanius

Son of Aeneas, precursor to the Iulius line and Roman legacy

Mezentius

Villainous character acting with furor, experiences realization before death

Pygmalion

Dido's brother who kills her husband in a fit of rage for treasure

Aeneas' Oath

Promise to avenge Pallas' death, driving his actions towards Turnus

Anchises

Aeneas' father who provides crucial guidance in the Underworld

Dido

Queen of Carthage, exhibits both sympathetic and furor-driven qualities

Lavinia

Daughter of Latinus, pivotal in the conflict between Aeneas and Turnus

Juno

Divine figure embodying anger towards Trojans and destructive femininity

Augustus

Descendant of Aeneas, depicted positively as a unifying figure

Imperialism

Expansion of empire limits by conquest, supported in the Aeneid

Virgil's Critique

Virgil's subtle criticism of Augustus and imperialistic ambitions

National Epic

Virgil's aim to compose an epic glorifying Rome and its empire

Civil War

Conflict between Romans, reflected in the Shield of Aeneas