Glossary
Aeneas
The Trojan prince and protagonist of Vergil's *Aeneid*, destined to found the Roman race in Italy. He embodies Roman virtues like *pietas* and *fatum*.
Example:
Despite his despair, Aeneas consistently prioritizes his men and his destiny, embodying the ideal Roman leader.
Aeolus
The god of the winds, whom Juno persuades to unleash a destructive storm upon Aeneas's fleet in Book 1 of the *Aeneid*.
Example:
Aeolus reluctantly obeys Juno's command, demonstrating the power of the gods over natural forces.
Carthage
A powerful Phoenician city-state in North Africa, beloved by Juno, and the destination where Aeneas and his men land in Book 1. It is ruled by Queen Dido.
Example:
The arrival of Aeneas in Carthage marks a significant turning point, setting the stage for his tragic relationship with Dido.
Dactyl
A metrical foot consisting of one long syllable followed by two short syllables (– ∪ ∪). It is a primary component of dactylic hexameter.
Example:
The opening of the Aeneid, 'Arma virumque cano,' begins with a dactyl followed by a spondee.
Dactylic Hexameter
The traditional meter for epic poetry in Latin, consisting of six metrical feet per line. It is characterized by a rhythm of long and short syllables.
Example:
Mastering Dactylic Hexameter is crucial for understanding the musicality and structure of Vergil's Aeneid.
Dido
The queen and founder of Carthage, who offers hospitality to Aeneas and his men in Book 1. Her character is complex, evolving from a strong leader to a tragic figure consumed by love.
Example:
Dido's initial kindness towards Aeneas foreshadows the deep emotional connection that will later lead to her downfall.
Elision
A literary device in Latin poetry where a final vowel (or vowel + 'm') at the end of a word is omitted or suppressed in pronunciation when the next word begins with a vowel.
Example:
When scanning, you might notice elision occurring in a phrase like 'monstrum horrendum informe ingens,' where the final 'e' of 'informe' elides with 'ingens'.
Epic Simile
An extended comparison, often running for several lines, that likens an epic or heroic event to a simple, everyday occurrence. It is a characteristic feature of epic poetry.
Example:
When Aeneas is compared to a shepherd, it's an epic simile that helps the reader understand his leadership in a relatable way.
Fate (Fatum)
A powerful, predetermined destiny or divine will that guides events and characters in the *Aeneid*, often overriding the desires of both gods and humans.
Example:
Despite Juno's attempts to thwart him, fate ensures that Aeneas will ultimately reach Italy and found the Roman race.
Foot (Metrical)
A basic unit of rhythm in poetry, typically consisting of a specific combination of stressed and unstressed syllables (or long and short syllables in quantitative verse).
Example:
In Dactylic Hexameter, each line is composed of six feet, creating a distinct poetic rhythm.
History and Memory (HIS)
An AP Latin theme that examines how literary works reflect their historical context, the impact of individuals on events, and the use of historical exempla to shape understanding of the past, present, and future.
Example:
The theme of History and Memory (HIS) is evident in how Vergil connects Aeneas's mythical past to the historical foundation of Rome.
Human Beings and the Gods (HBG)
An AP Latin theme that investigates the roles of the gods, their interactions with humans, and the concept of fate in the ancient world. It also considers how humans and gods communicate.
Example:
The theme of Human Beings and the Gods (HBG) is evident when Juno's wrath directly impacts Aeneas's journey, showing divine influence on mortal affairs.
Invocation of the Muse
A traditional epic convention where the poet formally calls upon a divine inspiration (a Muse) at the beginning of the poem to help him tell the story.
Example:
Vergil's invocation of the Muse in the opening lines of the Aeneid signals to the reader that this is an epic poem.
Juno's Wrath
The persistent anger of the goddess Juno towards the Trojans and Aeneas, stemming from various grievances including the prophecy that a Trojan will destroy her beloved city, Carthage. This wrath drives much of the conflict in the *Aeneid*.
Example:
Juno's wrath is the primary divine antagonist in Book 1, leading her to instigate the devastating storm against Aeneas's fleet.
Leadership (LDR)
An AP Latin theme exploring different types of leaders, their styles, and how they inspire or fail to inspire others. It also examines how leaders handle setbacks and failures.
Example:
A key question under Leadership (LDR) is how Aeneas's actions demonstrate his evolving role as a leader of his people.
Literary Style and Genre (LIT)
An AP Latin theme focusing on how authors use literary techniques, form, and content to shape their narratives and convey meaning. It examines epic conventions, characterization, and point of view.
Example:
When analyzing Literary Style and Genre (LIT), students might discuss how Vergil's use of epithets contributes to the epic feel of the poem.
Long by Position
A rule in Latin prosody stating that a vowel is considered long if it is followed by two or more consonants, even if the vowel itself is inherently short.
Example:
In the word 'arma,' the 'a' is long by position because it is followed by 'rm'.
Metaphorical Meanings
Deeper, symbolic interpretations of elements within a text that extend beyond their literal sense. These often convey abstract ideas or themes.
Example:
The storm in Book 1 of the Aeneid can have metaphorical meanings, representing the chaos and challenges Aeneas faces on his journey.
Neptune's Intervention
The act of the sea god Neptune calming the storm sent by Aeolus at Juno's behest, thereby saving Aeneas and his men. This highlights the hierarchy and power dynamics among the gods.
Example:
Neptune's intervention showcases the gods' ability to both cause and quell chaos, emphasizing their direct influence on human affairs.
Roman Values (RMV)
An AP Latin theme that examines the ideals and virtues considered characteristic of Roman society, including how these values are portrayed and questioned in the texts.
Example:
Roman Values (RMV) like pietas (duty) are often exemplified by characters like Aeneas, even in the face of immense personal suffering.
Spondee
A metrical foot consisting of two long syllables (– –). It can often substitute for a dactyl in dactylic hexameter, especially in the first four feet.
Example:
Many lines in the Aeneid feature a mix of dactyls and spondees to vary the rhythm.
The Aeneid
A foundational Latin epic poem by Vergil, narrating the journey of Aeneas from Troy to Italy and the founding of Rome. It blends myth, history, and Roman values.
Example:
Students often analyze how The Aeneid reflects the Augustan age's ideals of peace and order.
Venus's Plan
The scheme devised by Aeneas's mother, the goddess Venus, to ensure her son's safety and success, often involving manipulation of human emotions or events. In Book 1, she ensures Dido falls in love with Aeneas.
Example:
Venus's plan to make Dido fall in love with Aeneas is a prime example of divine manipulation influencing human destiny.
Vergil (Publius Vergilius Maro)
The renowned Roman poet (70-19 BCE) who authored *The Aeneid*, *The Eclogues*, and *The Georgics*. His work is central to Latin literature.
Example:
Vergil lived during a pivotal time in Roman history, which profoundly shaped the themes in his epic.
Views of Non-Romans (VNR)
An AP Latin theme that analyzes how authors portray non-Roman peoples, the criteria used to evaluate them, and whether stereotypes are reinforced or challenged.
Example:
When studying Views of Non-Romans (VNR), one might consider how Vergil depicts the Carthaginians through Dido's character.
War and Empire (WAE)
An AP Latin theme that explores the causes and consequences of war, diplomacy, and Roman imperialism. It also considers the effects of conflict on various groups.
Example:
The War and Empire (WAE) theme is central to understanding the ultimate purpose of Aeneas's journey: to establish the foundation for the Roman Empire.