Glossary
Aeneid Book 2
A specific book within Vergil's epic poem, *Aeneid*, focusing on Aeneas's firsthand account of the fall of Troy to the Greeks.
Example:
Students often find the description of the Aeneid Book 2's climactic events, like the Trojan Horse entering the city, particularly vivid.
Alliteration
The repetition of initial consonant sounds in words that are close together, often used for emphasis or to create a particular mood.
Example:
The line 'magno cum murmure montis' demonstrates alliteration with the repeated 'm' sound, mimicking a rumbling mountain.
Context
The circumstances, background, or setting in which a text was written or is interpreted, influencing its meaning and significance.
Example:
Understanding the historical context of Augustus's reign helps explain Vergil's portrayal of Aeneas as a pious founder.
Deception
The act of misleading or tricking someone, often through lies or false appearances, a prominent theme in *Aeneid* Book 2.
Example:
Sinon's elaborate story is a prime example of deception, designed to exploit the Trojans' trust and piety.
Divine Intervention
The direct involvement of gods or goddesses in human affairs, often influencing events or aiding/hindering characters.
Example:
The serpents attacking Laocoön are a clear instance of Divine Intervention, punishing him for doubting the Trojan Horse.
Fate
The predetermined course of events, often controlled by divine will, which characters in the *Aeneid* are destined to follow.
Example:
Despite human efforts, fate dictates Aeneas's destiny to found Rome, even amidst the chaos of Troy's destruction.
Grammar and Syntax
The rules governing the structure of a language, including word forms (grammar) and sentence construction (syntax).
Example:
Mastering complex grammar and syntax, such as indirect statements or ablative absolutes, is crucial for accurate translation of Vergil.
History and Memory (HIS)
A major thematic category in the *Aeneid* that examines how historical events are remembered, how individuals shape history, and the role of shared experiences in community building.
Example:
The theme of History and Memory is evident when Aeneas recounts the past to Dido, shaping the narrative for future generations.
Human Beings and the Gods (HBG)
A major thematic category in the *Aeneid* that investigates the roles of divine beings, their interactions with mortals, and the concept of fate.
Example:
The intervention of Minerva in the Laocoön episode clearly illustrates the theme of Human Beings and the Gods.
Literary Devices
Techniques used by authors to create specific effects, enhance meaning, or evoke emotions in their writing.
Example:
Identifying various literary devices like chiasmus or synchysis can deepen a student's appreciation of Vergil's poetic skill.
Metaphors
A literary device that directly compares two unlike things by stating one *is* the other, implying a deeper connection without using 'like' or 'as.'
Example:
When Vergil describes Troy as a 'dying flame,' he uses a metaphor to convey its imminent destruction.
Priam
The elderly king of Troy, tragically killed during the city's fall, symbolizing the destruction of the Trojan royal line.
Example:
The death of Priam at the altar is one of the most poignant and brutal scenes in Aeneid Book 2.
Similes
A literary device that compares two unlike things using 'like' or 'as' (or Latin equivalents) to create a vivid image or explanation.
Example:
Vergil often uses powerful similes, such as comparing Aeneas's rage to a raging river, to convey intense emotion.
Sinon
A cunning Greek soldier who pretends to be a deserter and convinces the Trojans to bring the Trojan Horse into their city.
Example:
Sinon's deceptive speech is a masterclass in manipulation, leading directly to Troy's downfall.
Translation
The process of converting text from one language to another while maintaining its meaning, style, and tone.
Example:
Accurate translation requires not just knowing vocabulary but also understanding the nuances of Latin grammar and Vergil's poetic style.
Trojan Horse
A giant wooden horse used by the Greeks to trick the Trojans into bringing Greek soldiers inside their city walls, leading to Troy's downfall.
Example:
The Trojan Horse is a classic example of military cunning, leading to the unexpected collapse of a seemingly impenetrable city.
Trust
Reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of another, which is tragically misplaced by the Trojans in *Aeneid* Book 2.
Example:
The Trojans' misplaced trust in Sinon, despite warnings, ultimately seals their city's doom.
Vergil
An ancient Roman poet, author of the epic poem *Aeneid*, which tells the story of Aeneas's journey from Troy to Italy and the founding of Rome.
Example:
Vergil's masterful use of dactylic hexameter makes the Aeneid a challenging yet rewarding read for Latin students.
War and Empire (WAE)
A major thematic category in the *Aeneid* that explores the causes and consequences of conflict, the portrayal of diplomacy, and the nature of Roman imperialism.
Example:
Analyzing the depiction of enemy groups in War and Empire discussions helps students understand Vergil's nuanced perspective on conflict.