Glossary
Aeneas
The Trojan protagonist of Virgil's Aeneid, destined to found Rome. He faces a constant struggle between his personal desires and his divine mission.
Example:
Despite his love for Dido, Aeneas ultimately chooses to fulfill his destiny and sail for Italy.
Bacchanalia
Wild, frenzied festivals in honor of Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry. The comparison to *Bacchanalia* emphasizes the uncontrolled and passionate nature of Dido's emotional state.
Example:
The chaotic and unrestrained emotions of Dido are vividly compared to the wild abandon of a Bacchanalia.
Carthage
A powerful Phoenician city-state in North Africa, ruled by Queen Dido. It serves as the setting for Aeneas's tragic love affair and subsequent departure.
Example:
The opulent city of Carthage becomes the backdrop for Dido's intense emotional conflict.
Dido
The queen of Carthage and Aeneas's lover, who tragically takes her own life after Aeneas abandons her. She embodies intense passion and despair.
Example:
Dido's furious accusations against Aeneas highlight her sense of betrayal and abandonment.
Duty vs. Love
A central thematic conflict in the Aeneid, particularly in Book 4, where Aeneas's obligation to his destiny clashes with his personal affection for Dido.
Example:
The agonizing choice between duty vs. love defines Aeneas's character and leads to Dido's tragic end.
Elissa
Dido's original Phoenician name. Aeneas uses this name in his response, a subtle acknowledgment of her past and their connection, even as he prepares to leave.
Example:
Aeneas's use of 'Elissa' is a poignant, albeit distant, recognition of Dido's identity before her life became intertwined with his.
Fama (Rumor)
A personified goddess in the Aeneid who spreads news and gossip rapidly. She plays a crucial role in revealing Aeneas's departure plans to Dido.
Example:
The swift spread of Fama ensured that Dido quickly learned of Aeneas's secret preparations to leave Carthage.
Jupiter
The king of the gods in Roman mythology, who sends Mercury to remind Aeneas of his divine mission. He represents divine will and destiny.
Example:
Jupiter's intervention through Mercury underscores the inescapable nature of Aeneas's fate.
Mercury
The messenger god, dispatched by Jupiter to remind Aeneas of his duty to leave Carthage and found Rome. His visit is a turning point in Book 4.
Example:
Mercury's stern message forces Aeneas to confront his obligations and abandon his life with Dido.
Oathbreaker
A person who breaks a solemn promise or pledge. This term is used by Dido to accuse Aeneas of betraying their perceived marriage and alliance.
Example:
Dido vehemently labels Aeneas an 'oathbreaker' for secretly preparing to depart, believing he has violated their sacred bond.
Perfide
A Latin term meaning 'oathbreaker' or 'treacherous one.' Dido uses this powerful accusation against Aeneas, highlighting her belief that he has violated their sacred bond.
Example:
Dido's enraged cry of 'perfide' encapsulates her feeling of profound betrayal by Aeneas.
Rhetorical Questions
Questions posed for dramatic effect or to make a point, rather than to elicit an answer. Dido frequently uses them to express her anger and manipulate Aeneas.
Example:
Dido's barrage of rhetorical questions like 'Nec te noster amor...tenet?' reveals her deep emotional turmoil and disbelief.
Scansion
The analysis of poetic meter, involving the division of lines into metrical feet and the marking of long and short syllables. It helps understand the rhythm and emphasis of Latin poetry.
Example:
Practicing scansion of lines like 'et mediis properas Aquilonibus ire per altum' helps reveal the dactylic rhythm of Virgil's epic.
Thyiad
A female follower of Bacchus (Dionysus), known for frenzied, ecstatic dancing and wild behavior. Dido's rage is compared to that of a *Thyiad* to emphasize its intensity and irrationality.
Example:
Dido's uncontrolled fury, likened to a Thyiad in a Bacchic frenzy, underscores her descent into madness.