Aeneid

How does Virgil define a hero, and how does his vision of a Roman hero differ from the Homeric model? Do you think Aeneas is a compelling protagonist? Why or why not?

Respect for what has come before us—not only our culture, but our ancestors—is an important theme in the Aeneid. How does Virgil honor the past while also looking to the future?

While women in the Aeneid often represent obstacles to the goal of founding Rome, Virgil does not always treat them unsympathetically. Choose a female character (or characters) and explore her motivations, characterizations, and treatment in the narrative. Explain why you find her depiction to be positive or negative.

At what points does Virgil step into the text of his own poem? Why do you think he does so?

Virgil introduces the reader to many cultures throughout the ancient world: Trojan, Greek, Carthaginian, and various Italian peoples. Do you think he is more interested in emphasizing the differences or the similarities between people?

Virgil was writing under the auspices of the emperor Augustus, and his poem is sometimes argued to be pro-empire. Do you think the Aeneid is in favor of imperialism or not?

What is the role of Fate and free will in the Aeneid? Which force is more powerful, and how does Virgil frame this conflict (e.g., tragic, good)?

The ending of the Aeneid is difficult and controversial. In the 15th century, Matteo Vegio, an Italian poet, was so dissatisfied that he wrote a 13th book. Do you find the ending of Book 12 to be satisfactory? Why or why not?