The characterisation of Dido:

The character of Dido:

• A beautiful woman.

• Shows generous hospitality to the Trojans.

• Cursed by Venus’ trick.

• Shows strong Roman virtues.

• Reflects Cleopatras actions in Egypt.

• Mirrors Aeneas’ situation and character.

A beautiful woman:

• Compared to the goddess Diana by Virgil.

• Loved by Juno but seen as a hinderance by Venus.

Shows generous hospitality to the Trojans:

• Forced by Mercury to be hospitable.

• Tells Trojans they may remain in Carthage.

Cursed by Venus’ trick:

• Falls in love with Aeneas.

• Cupid disguised as Ascanius.

• Dido has the potential to prevent the founding of Rome.

• ‘Doomed Dido’ and ‘driving her to madness’.

Reflects Cleopatra’s actions in Egypt:

• Shows danger to Rome the ‘Mediterranean’ posed.

Mirror’s Aeneas’ situation and character:

• Both partners were murdered.

• Both spoke to their murdered partner as a phantom.

• Both leaders of their people and their ‘household’ Gods - Aeneas = King of Trojans, Dido = Queen of Carthage.

• Both are exiles forced to find a new city - BUT Dido HAS founded a city which is flourishing.