Vergil, Aeneid, Book 4

Simile draws parallels between Dido's struggle and natural phenomena, suggesting remote control by a force greater than herself.

Irony highlights the futility of Dido's attempts to resist fate influenced by the gods.

Metaphor equates Dido's tears with rain, signaling an abundance of sorrow indicative of fate gaining ground over her wishes.

Personification imbues abstract concepts with agency, implying they play active roles in Dido's downfall.

She is empathetic, having faced similar losses and wanderings.

She is fearful, knowing that refugees could threaten her reign.

She feels competitive, wanting Carthage to surpass Troy's legacy.

She is indifferent, focusing on her own city's construction.

Alliteration creates a soothing rhythm which contrasts with her turbulent emotions for dramatic effect.

Alliteration amplifies the tumultuous feelings that wound and turn within Dido’s heart.

Alliteration signifies resolution as it brings linguistic cohesion to describe her healing process.

Alliteration minimizes the severity of Dido’s emotional struggle for better narrative pacing.

Simple phraseology belies the complexity of her inner strife and decision-making processes.

Casual language minimizes her suffering and reflects societal norms.

Carefully chosen words emphasize Dido’s intense emotions and conflicted loyalty.

Formal vocabulary indicates distance and impartiality towards her own feelings.

It displays mistrust toward long-standing treaties, promoting skepticism about their effectiveness.

It mirrors shifting allegiances, temporary partnerships made for convenience despite underlying hostilities.

It signifies permanent peace achieved through equal power-sharing among leaders.

It suggests grassroots diplomacy playing a larger role than top-down imperial directives.

Seven feet

Six feet

Five feet

Four feet

It signifies Jupiter's disapproval of Dido's feelings.

It mimics the whispering rumors among the Carthaginians.

It represents Aeneas' hesitation to respond to Dido’s emotions.

It emphasizes Dido's secretive and deeply hidden love.

Through enjambment to stress continuous movement away from Dido.

The juxtaposition of disparate ideas which imply distance between current circumstances and possible destinations.

An amplification via tautology indicating repetition and therefore increasing distance.

The choice of an open-ended relative clause that suggests boundless possibilities far from Dido.

It suggests that Dido has found peace between her emotions and responsibilities.

It demonstrates a harmonious balance between Carthage's prosperity and her love affair.

It mirrors the chaotic intertwining of love and reason within Dido’s internal conflict.

It reveals a clear separation between public duty and personal desire for Dido.

The sister’s mutual agreement leads to a peaceful resolution regarding Aeneas’ fate.

Anna’s support provides a contrastive perspective validating Dido’s emotions.

Anna’s indifference actively discourages Dido’s pursuit of love, increasing the tragedy.

Disagreement between siblings foreshadows divisions within Carthaginian society.