#AP Latin: Aeneid Book IV - Lines 659-705 Study Guide

Hey there, future Latin scholar! Let's get you prepped and confident for your AP Latin exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially when you're reviewing the night before the big day. We'll break down the key concepts, highlight important details, and make sure you're feeling ready to ace it. Let's dive in!

#🏛️ Book IV Overview: Dido's Tragic End

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of the Latin lines, let's recap the emotional rollercoaster of Book IV. Remember, Dido is heartbroken after Aeneas decides to leave, and her despair escalates to the point of suicide. This section focuses on her final moments and the reactions of those around her. This part of the Aeneid is crucial for understanding themes of love, duty, and fate, all of which are high-value topics on the AP exam.

Dido's fury and despair lead to her decision to commit suicide.
Preparations for Aeneas's departure intensify her pain.
Anna's attempts to stop the Trojans fail.
Dido's internal conflict: to stay or follow Aeneas.
Mercury's intervention speeds Aeneas's departure.
Dido's final words and curse before her death.

#🎯 Skill Focus: Reading Comprehension & Argumentation

This section of the Aeneid is rich in literary devices and emotional depth. The AP exam will expect you to not only translate the Latin but also to analyze its impact and understand the arguments being presented. Keep an eye out for how Vergil uses language to convey Dido's intense feelings and the tragic consequences of her actions.

Key Concept

#🔍 Lines 667-674: The City's Lament

lamentis gemituque et femineo ululatu

tecta fremunt, resonat magnis plangoribus aether,

non aliter quam si immissis ruat hostibus omnis

Karthago aut antiqua Tyros, flammaeque furentes

culmina perque hominum volvantur perque deorum.

audiit exanimis trepidoque exterrita cursu

unguibus ora soror foedans et pectora pugnis

per medios ruit, ac morientem nomine clamat:

#Analysis & Key Concepts

Line 1: lamentis gemituque et femineo ululatu - "with laments and groaning and women's wailing"

Quick Fact

Memory Aid

Remember LGF (Laments, Groaning, Female wailing) to memorize the key elements of mourning.

- **Stylistic Device:** Onomatopoeia - The words themselves sound like the sounds of mourning. 🔊

Line 2: tecta fremunt, resonat magnis plangoribus aether - "the buildings roar, the sky resounds with great cries"

Quick Fact

Stylistic Device: Personification - The buildings and sky are given human-like qualities of roaring and resounding. 🗣️

Lines 3-4: non aliter quam si immissis ruat hostibus omnis Karthago aut antiqua Tyros - "not otherwise than if with enemies having been sent in, all Carthage or ancient Tyre should fall"

Quick Fact

Stylistic Device: Simile - Comparing the grief to the fall of Carthage or Tyre. 💥

Lines 5-8: flammaeque furentes culmina perque hominum volvantur perque deorum. audiit exanimis trepidoque exterrita cursu unguibus ora soror foedans et pectora pugnis per medios ruit, ac morientem nomine clamat: - "and raging flames should roll over the roofs both of men and of gods. The sister heard, lifeless and terrified in her trembling course, defiling her face with her nails and her breast with her fists, she rushes through the middle, and calls out to her dying sister by name."

Quick Fact

Anna's reaction shows the intensity of grief in classical literature. 💔

#Questions to Consider

Why is the grief so intense in Carthage, as if the city itself were falling?

Key Concept

Dido was not just a queen; she was the founder and soul of Carthage. Her death is a symbolic collapse of the city. 👑

Why does Anna react so violently upon seeing Dido on the pyre?

Key Concept

This was a typical way for women to express grief in classical literature. It highlights the depth of Anna's despair. 😭

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions:

In line 667, the phrase "lamentis gemituque et femineo ululatu" primarily uses which literary device? (A) Metaphor (B) Simile (C) Onomatopoeia (D) Personification
Lines 669-670 ("non aliter quam si immissis ruat hostibus omnis Karthago aut antiqua Tyros") employ which figure of speech? (A) Metonymy (B) Hyperbole (C) Simile (D) Irony

Free Response Question:

Analyze how Vergil uses imagery and figurative language in lines 667-674 to convey the depth of grief and chaos in Carthage following Dido's suicide attempt. In your response, consider the impact of specific word choices and literary devices on the reader's understanding of the scene. (4 points)

Scoring Rubric:

1 point: Identifies at least two specific examples of imagery or figurative language (e.g., onomatopoeia, simile, personification).
1 point: Explains how each identified example contributes to the sense of grief and chaos.
1 point: Demonstrates an understanding of the emotional impact of Dido's actions on the city.
1 point: Provides a clear and well-organized analysis of the passage.

#📜 Lines 693-699: Juno's Intervention

Tum Iuno omnipotens longum miserata dolorem

difficilisque obitus, Irim demisit Olympo

quae luctantem animam nexosque resolveret artus.

nam quia nec fato merita nec morte peribat,

sed misera ante diem subitoque accensa furore,

nondum illi flavum Proserpina vertice crinem

abstulerat Stygioque caput damnaverat Orco.

#Literal Translation

Then all-powerful Juno, having pitied the long suffering and difficult death, sent Iris down from Olympus, to release the struggling soul and bound limbs. For since she was not dying by fate nor by a deserved death, but wretched, before her day, and inflamed by sudden madness, Proserpina had not yet taken a lock of golden hair from her head, nor had she condemned her head to Stygian Orcus.

#Analysis & Key Concepts

Juno's pity: Despite not intervening earlier, Juno finally shows compassion for Dido's suffering.

Quick Fact

Iris's role: Iris is sent to release Dido's soul, highlighting the divine intervention in her death. 🌈

Dido's fate: Dido's death is not fated or deserved, but a result of her own choices and emotions.

Key Concept

Proserpina's role: Proserpina, goddess of the underworld, has not yet claimed Dido's soul, emphasizing the unusual nature of her death. 💀

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions:

According to lines 693-699, why does Juno send Iris to Dido? (A) To punish her for loving Aeneas. (B) To prevent her from entering the Underworld. (C) To release her soul from her body. (D) To give her a second chance at life.
In line 696, the phrase "sed misera ante diem subitoque accensa furore" suggests that Dido's death is primarily due to: (A) A divine curse. (B) A predetermined fate. (C) Her own emotional turmoil. (D) The actions of Aeneas.

Free Response Question:

Discuss the significance of the divine intervention in lines 693-699. How does Juno's action and the mention of Proserpina reflect the complex relationship between gods and mortals in the Aeneid? (4 points)

Scoring Rubric:

1 point: Identifies Juno's intervention and Iris's role.
1 point: Explains why Dido's death is not considered a typical death.
1 point: Analyzes the implications of Proserpina's absence in the process.
1 point: Explores the broader theme of divine influence on mortal lives.

#📖 Breakdown of Lines 659-705

Let's zoom out and look at the bigger picture of lines 659-705. This section is packed with emotional intensity and dramatic action. Here's a quick rundown:

Dido's Final Words: She expresses a desire for revenge, even though she knows it may not happen. She accepts death as an escape from her pain.

Key Concept

The "Cruel Trojan": Dido refers to Aeneas, wishing him ill fortune. This shows her bitterness and anger. 😠
Dido's Suicide: She falls on Aeneas's sword, a symbolic act of despair and betrayal. 🗡️
The City's Reaction: The city is in chaos, with sounds of mourning and grief filling the air. 😭
Anna's Grief: Anna's frantic actions underscore the depth of her love and despair for her sister. 💔
Divine Intervention: Juno sends Iris to release Dido's soul, highlighting the gods' involvement in mortal affairs. 🕊️

#Key Themes & Connections

Fate vs. Free Will: Dido's death is a result of her own choices, yet it's also influenced by the gods and Aeneas's destiny.
Love and Loss: The tragic consequences of Dido's love for Aeneas are central to this section. ❤️💔
Divine Involvement: The gods play a crucial role in shaping the events, highlighting their power and influence. ⚡
Mourning Rituals: The descriptions of mourning practices provide insight into Roman culture. 🏛️

#📝 Final Exam Focus

Okay, you're almost there! Here's what to focus on for the exam:

Literary Devices: Be able to identify and explain the impact of devices like similes, personification, and onomatopoeia.

Exam Tip

Character Analysis: Understand the motivations and emotions of Dido and Anna.

Exam Tip

Translation Skills: Practice translating accurately and literally.

Exam Tip

Contextual Understanding: Know the broader themes and events of the Aeneid.

Exam Tip

Connections: Be able to connect this section to other parts of the Aeneid, especially the theme of fate.

Exam Tip

#Last-Minute Tips

Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. Move on and come back if needed. ⏱️
Common Pitfalls: Avoid making assumptions about the text. Always refer back to the Latin.

Common Mistake

Strategies: Read the questions carefully and underline key words. Plan your free-response answers before writing. ✍️

#🎉 You've Got This!

You've made it through a challenging section of the Aeneid. Remember, you're well-prepared, and you have all the tools you need to succeed. Stay calm, trust your knowledge, and go ace that exam! Good luck, and may the Latin be with you! 🌟