OCR A-Level Classical Civilisation -> Virgil's Aeneid

Why does Juno hate the Trojans? (b1)

- A prophecy that Carthage would one day be overthrown by the Trojan ancestors

- Paris' decision to give the golden apple to Aphrodite

- Fury at Zeus' love for the Trojan boy, Ganymede

Who does Juno ask to release the winds in order to blow Aeneas off course? (b1)

Aeolus -> She asks him to whip up the winds and overwhelm the Trojan fleet

What was Aeneas' reaction to the storm? (b1)

Homeric reaction -> Weak knees, prays (like Odysseus b5) out of fear of dying an unheroic death

Who puts an end to Juno's storm and why? (b1)

Neptune due to his anger at Juno for interfering with his domain "without my divine authority"

What is Neptune compared to, and why is this significant?

"A statesman calming a rabble" -> Augustus ending unrest in Rome -> Propaganda

Features of Jupiter's Prophecy

- Trojans will arrive in Latium

- Aeneas will win a great battle + found Lavinium

- Ascanius will found Alba Longa, near future Rome

- Romulus will eventually found Rome itself.

- Augustus will bring an age of peace

What do the men do when they arrive on the shore first? (b1)

They make a fire + start cooking the grain from the ship

What does Aeneas do for his men in b1 that shoes piety? (b1)

he shoots and kills a stag for his crew to eat -> sacrificial care, duty

Why is Mercury sent to Carthage? (b1)

To make Carthage safe for the Trojans + influence Dido to welcome them

Aeneas + Achates go out to find where they are. Who do they meet + what is this person disguised as? (b1)

Venus as a Spartan girl or Thracian -> Carrying weapons, hair down + flowing dress above her knee

What is Dido's tragic backstory? (b1)

Dido escaped Tyre where here brother, Pygmalion, ruled. He had killed her husband, Sychaeus, and concealed the crime (unburied) until one night Dido was visited by her husbands Ghost, telling her to escape -> she leaves and finds Carthage

What omen does Venus explain back to Aeneas and Achates? (b1)

Flight of Birds + 12 Swans flying in formation -> Initially pushed out of formation by Jupiter, but are now in a long column reaching their destination -> prophesises his safe arrival in Carthage.

How does Aeneas recognise Venus and what is his response? (b1)

A rosy light + smell of ambrosia. He is annoyed at her for mocking him with digsuise, calling her cruel and questioning why she cannot appear in true form.

What are the Carthaginians compared to in Virgil's simile when he is introducing their civilisation? Why is it significant?(b1)

"bees at the beginning of summer". -> Uniformity = central characteristic of the ideal society -> individuality erased in the bee similies, the wellbeing of the hive is more important than the individual -> Augustus' regime

What scenes decorate the frieze of the temple of Juno? (b1)

Trojan war -> Sons of Atreus, The death of Troilus (son of Priam) by Achilles, Achilles dragging Hectors body -> death of young men, death of Aeneas' comrades -> sadness

Who does Virgil compare Dido with when she appears? (b1)

Diana -> Since the goddess urges on the work of her people. Contrast -> Diana as a virgin goddess, yet Dido has a love affair.

How does Aeneas appear to Dido when the cloud disappears? What has Venus done? (b1)

With the head and shoulders of a God, his hair has been given beauty and his eyes sparkle -> like Athene did to Odysseus)

What scheme does Venus come up with? (b1)

Make Dido fall in love with Aeneas

Why does Venus want Dido to fall in love with Aeneas? (b1)

To protect him from Juno -> Juno will not attack Aeneas if he stays in Carthage

What is the message of Laocoon and how is it recieved? (b2)

the priest of Neptune sees that the horse is a trick -. either the Greeks are hiding in it or it is a siege engine -> he reminds them of how cunning odysseus (ulixes) is and throws a spear at the horse.

describe the treachery of Sinon (b2)

Says he is a greek + as though he is an enemy of Ulixes. -> Greeks had consulted an oracle of Apollo before leaving Troy, told that they needed a blood sacrifice -> Sinon was chosen, but escaped + left on Troy. -> tells the Trojans the hose is an apology for the snatching of the image of Athene from her temple in Troy.

What does Sinon warn the Trojans of? (b2)

Violating the offering, saying it will lead to the destruction of all the Trojans.

Describe the fate of Laocoon, what makes it more horrifying? (b2)

2 blood red sea serpents seized him and his sons, then escaped t the citadel of Pallas Athene to seek shelter -> horrifying due to priest of Neptune being killed by the sea, questions morality of gods

What do the Trojans do with the horse? (b2)

Seeing the punishment Laocoon got for speaking against the offering, they take the horse inside the walls.

What is the Trojan reaction to Cassandra's prophecy? (b2)

They don't believe her -> she is fated to always tell the truth but no one will ever take notice.

What is Cassandra's prophecy? (b2)

The Greeks are hiding in the horse

Why does Virgil's commentary on Cassandra's prophecy make the scene painful? (b2)

He knows of Cassandra's curse, but intentionally ignores it despite knowing better -> mix of the authors omnipotence/science + characters unawareness makes impending destruction frustrating.

What happens at the night after the horse enters the gates of Troy? (b2)

Sinon unbolts the belly of the horse + releases the Greeks -> doors to troy opened + the two parts of the Greek army joined forces.

Describe Aeneas' dream of Hector + Hector's message for Aeneas (b2)

Aeneas sees hector crying, looking as though he did when he was dragged by Achilles. He refuses to answer Aeneas' questions, but urges Aeneas to escape, taking the city's sacraments + household gods and look for a new city.

What does Aeneas compare with the final battle? (b2)

A furious sound wind carrying a fire into a field of grain. He describes it as an unstoppable force of nature - wiping out the life from the Trojan city.

How does Aeneas react to the furor and what does he consider noble? (b2)

he puts his armour on since his heart is burning to gather comrades for battle -> we are told "frenzy and anger" drove him, and it suddenly seemed the noble thing to die in arms.

What happens to Cassandra? (b2)

She was dragged from the temple of Minerva with her hands ties -> she was taking sanctuary so this is sacrilege. The Trojans who are attacked by the Greeks who are furious at her rescue.

How does Virgil describe Pyrrhus, son of Achilles? (b2)

Compares to a snake who has hidden all winter before emerging renewed -> youth is referenced + actions described as "rampaging"

Describe the death of Polites, son of Priam, and the death of Priam? (b2)

He had escaped death at the hands of Pyrrhus + was wounded, he was running through the halls of the palace with Pyrrhus behind him, and as soon as he reached his parents, Virgil tells us that he ""vomited his life's blood before them" -> graphic death of young men.

How does Aeneas feel when he sees Helen? (b2)

He describes her as a fury, sent to be the scourse both of Troy and Greece -> he then has a moment of Furor when "passion flared" in his hear and he though to avenge her wrongdoing.

Describe the action of Venus + summarise her words to Aeneas (b2)

Venus holds Aeneas back from harming Helen. She asks him why he is raging + tells him to go and find his family. She urges him to escape with haste.

Describe Anchises reaction to leaving Troy. (b2)

Anchises wishes to be left behind -> if the God's had wished him to go on living, they would've preserved Troy for him.

Describe Creusa's reaction to Anchises (b2)

She throws herself at his feet, asking for them to share in his fate if he is going to death. But if he has any reason to put hope in arms, he should stay and defend his house and family.

What happens to Ascanius? (portent) (b2)

A light began to stream from the top of his cap, and the flame seemed to lick his hair without harming him. -> good omen, especially when Anchises calls on Jupiter to confirm it and a clap of thunder is heard

Describe the departure of Aeneas from his family (b2)

Aeneas carries Anchises on his back, Iulus + Creusa walk alongside. Anchises also carries sacraments + hh Gods + Aeneas tells his slaves to meet him at the old temple to Ceres.

What happens to Creusa and what is Aeneas' reaction? (b2)

Creusa was walking behind and suddenly disappears. Aeneas storms and rages and blames the Gods and every man that ever was -> he describes it as the cruelest thing he saw in the whole sacking.

What message does Creusa have for Aeneas? (b2)

When her ghost appears, she explains it is not the God's will that she should go with him -> she prophesises his long journey, his landing on Hesperia, a new bride, and a new kingdom.

Describe Dido's passion for Aeneas (b4)

Her love = "deadly wound", making her suffer. She deeply admires Aeneas, "what a warrior" and believes him to be "descended from the gods".

What is Dido's dilemma over Sychaeus? (b4)

Her mind has been set against loving another man after the death of her husband, Sychaeus.

What is Anna's advice to Dido? (b4)

Dido should not waste away, living alone and never knowing the joy of children. She believes Juno to be behind bringing Aeneas to Carthage, hence the gods would bless their union.

What does Virgil compare Dido with? (b4)

A wounded doe whom a hunter has hit with his arrow, even though the doe runs away, the arrow is still in its side and will eventually cause death.

Why is the doe simile effective? (b4)

It alludes to Cupid's role in making Dido fall in love with Aeneas, as well as foreshadowing her death at the end of this chapter.

Describe the effects of Dido's unrequited love (b4)

Unable to function, lying for hours clasping onto the couch he had sat on, imagining she had seen or heard him. She manufactures opportunities to see him. She asks Ascanias to sit on her knee due to the likeness to his father.

What do Juno and Venus agree on for Dido? (b4)

They arrange a marriage.

What is Juno and Venus' underlying agenda for the marriage? (b4)

Stated agenda -> So the two goddesses can share equal authority over them,

Underlying agenda -> Venus knows Juno is trying to prevent Aeneas' journey to Italy

Describe the preparations for the hunt (b4)

- Band of men leave Carthage with nets + spears + Massylian horsemen

- Dido comes with an entourage, wearing her best clothes + a quiver of gold.

- Trojans join, Aeneas marching ahead with Ascanias.

Describe the hunt (b4)

Goats are disturbed on the top of a crag and a herd of deer come running across a plain. Ascanias is on horseback running amongst them.

Describe the storm (b4)

Thunder stirred in the sky, and then came rain and hail -> all men ran for shelter + Dido + Aeneas shelter in the same cave.

Describe the marriage (b4)

We are told the first sign of it was given by earth + by Juno as matron of honour - fire flashed and the heavens were witness to the marriage ( as were the nymphs from the mountains)

How does Virgil portray 'rumour'? (b4)

As acting with haste -> "it did not take long". He also describes it as an "ill", thriving on movement and gathering strength -> the monster never sleeps + is always listening with an "ear pricked" -> PERSONIFIED.

What is the effect of the personification of rumour on the reader? (b4)

The personification turns Rumour into a supernatural being, but is also disturbing as its implied they are always being watched -> "an eye that never sleeps"

Who is Iarbas (b4)

The son of a Garamantian nymph whom Zeus had ravished

How does Iarbas react when he hears about the marriage? (b4)

Erupts into rage, since his people honour + fear Zeus, and yet Dido, whom he let have some of his land to find her city, had been stolen by Aeneas.

What theme links to Iarbas' reaction to the marriage? (b4)

Treatment of women -> Marriage in exchange for land, objectification.

What does Jupiter say in response to Iarbas' prayers and what action does he take? (b4)

Jupiter hears him and calls for Mercury -> tells him to go and speak to Aeneas + remind him of his fate. Jupiter is very clear when he says Aeneas "must sail".

What is Mercury's message to Aeneas? (b4)

He utters Jupiters sentiments, and asks if Aeneas had forgotten about his kingdom + destiny. He says women are "fickle creatures" -> theme of women.

What does Mercury play on to try and convince Aeneas to leave? (b4)

His father-son relationship + pietas, "you owe him [Ascanias] the land of Rome".

How is Aeneas dressed when Mercury appears? (b4)

Rich purple cloak with a fine cross thread of Gold (by Dido)

What is Aeneas' reaction to Mercury's message? (b4)

Senseless + filled with horror -> realises he has had a direct warning from the Gods but doesnt know how to approach Dido with this news.

What is Dido's reaction to the news Aeneas is to leave? (b4)

She realises before he tells her -> Driven to distraction + furor. She is described as raging around the city like a Maenad.

Describe how Aeneas tells Dido about his destiny and how he must leave (b4)

He reassures her he never meant to be deceitful, but he also never offered her marriage or entered into a contract with her.

How does Dido react in response to Aeneas' destiny? (b4)

Speechless, rolls her eyes before responding in furor, calling him a "traitor". She is horrified that he doesnt seem to react to her heartbreak either, barely looking at her or feeling any pity.

2 different destinies become apparent - summarise (b4)

- Rather than comfort Dido, Aeneas heads to his ships

- Dido, realising Aeneas won't listen, decided to take her own life.

What does Dido decide to do and what preparations does she make? (b4)

To take her own life -> Builds a pyre + lays upon it Aeneas' possessions.

Describe the departure of Aeneas (b4)

Resolved with leave + boards his ship and sleeps.

What appears before Aeneas when he is leaving on his ship? (b4)

The shape of a god, telling him no to delay.

Summarise the anger of Dido when she discovers Aeneas' departure (b4)

She is horrified when she sees the ships leaving -> calls upon Jupiter.

What is Dido's curse? (b4)

She curses Aeneas as he leaves, cursing that if Aeneas arrives in Italy, then let him be harried in a war, driven from his own land, and torn from Iulus. She also wishes that he should not enjoy the kingdom he longs for.

Describe the death of Dido (b4)

She climbs the pyre in furor and unsheaths a Trojan sword -> speaks her last words "let them receieve my spirit and free me from this anguish" -> she falls on her sword.

What are the final actions of Juno to free Dido's spirit from her body? (b4)

- She sends Iris down to free Dido's struggling spirit

- She takes a lock of her hair as an offering to Dis (Hades) to free her from her body.

As Aeneas is leaving, what does he see at Carthage? (b5)

Flames -> He fears for Dido, knowing thwarted love has made her desperate.

What does Aeneas do to honour his father (who died on a previous visit to Drepanum, where they are.)? (b5)

He holds funeral games and makes ceremonial sacrifices.

What spoils the funeral games? (b5)

Juno sends Iris to stir up discontent among the Trojan women (tired of traveling), and incites one of them to set fire to the Trojan ships.

How does Aeneas stop the burning of the ships? (b5)

Prays to Jupiter, who sends a rainstorm, and saves all but 4 ships.

What does Venus ask of Neptune, and what does he ask in return? (b5)

For safe travels for the Trojans, and Neptune asks for one of the Trojans to be sacrificed.

How are Neptunes demands met? (b5)

Palinurus falls into the sea at the hand of Somnus (God of sleep), becoming the sacrifice Neptune demanded.