CLASS 102 A1 Vergil II Canvas

The character of Queen Dido is significant in "The Aeneid", representing both power and vulnerability.
Comparison to Diana: "Laws and ordinances she gave to her people; their tasks she adjusted in equal shares or assigned by lot."
Dido’s gracious welcome towards the Trojans highlights her nobility and hospitality.
Aeneas feels safe under Dido’s protection and brings his son Ascanius from camp.
Venus, concerned for her son Aeneas, uses Cupid, disguised as Ascanius, to make Dido fall in love with Aeneas.

Aeneas's journey is comparable to Odysseus's experiences among the Phaeacians.
The narrative encompasses the traumatic events of the fall of Troy:
- The iconic Trojan Horse, symbolizing Greek deception and impiety.
- The city of Troy is engulfed in flames, and the death of King Priam signifies the end.
Amidst the chaos, Aeneas sees Helen and, fueled by anger, contemplates killing her. However, Venus intervenes, reminding him of his family and duty.
Aeneas realizes he must leave Troy with his father Anchises and son. Anchises's initial reluctance is overcome by divine signs, and Aeneas vows to carry him:
- "Come then, dear father, mount upon my neck... we two will have one common peril, one salvation."
Tragic loss of Creusa occurs; her ghost encourages Aeneas to move forward without her, emphasizing his path of destiny.

Dido's love for Aeneas is likened to fire, depicting her emotions as a consuming and destructive force.
As a "univira" (one-man woman), Dido grapples with her fidelity to Sychaeus and her affection for Aeneas.
Dido's sister, Anna, urges her to consider the state of Carthage, noting:
- "No longer rise the towers begun...the works are broken off and idle..."

Speculation arises about a formal marriage between Dido and Aeneas.
Rumor acts as a destructive element affecting their relationship.
Zeus sends Mercury to remind Aeneas of his fate and responsibilities, emphasizing the insignificance of his dalliance with Dido:
- Mercury finds Aeneas engaged in building and founding new cities.
Aeneas then realizes he must depart from Carthage, leading to Dido's heartache.
Dido is left abandoned and filled with despair; her curse and eventual suicide reflect her tragic downfall.
Dido’s plight draws parallels to other tragic figures in literature, such as Nausicaa, Circe, Calypso, Medea, and Cleopatra.

Dido's lament manifests into a vengeful curse: "This is my prayer; this last utterance I pour out with my blood."
She invokes Tyrians to forever hate Aeneas and his lineage, desiring conflict between their peoples:
- "Let no love or treaty unite the nations!"
Dido’s curse signifies her profound grief and determination, wishing for continued war between Trojans and Tyrians across generations.