#AP Latin Study Guide: The Aeneid, Book 1

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#How to Use This Guide

This guide is your go-to resource for a quick yet thorough review. It focuses on 80% literal and 20% interpretive translations, breaking down the text, context, and grammar to ensure you're exam-ready. Think of it as your smart friend who makes everything click. Let's get started!

#Book 1, Lines 494-519: Dido's Arrival and the Trojans' Discovery

#Original Passage

Haec dum Dardanio Aeneae miranda videntur, dum stupet, obtutuque haeret defixus in uno,               495 regina ad templum, forma pulcherrima Dido, incessit magna iuvenum stipante caterva. Qualis in Eurotae ripis aut per iuga Cynthi exercet Diana choros, quam mille secutae hinc atque hinc glomerantur oreades; illa pharetram               500 fert umero, gradiensque deas supereminet omnis: Latonae tacitum pertemptant gaudia pectus: talis erat Dido, talem se laeta ferebat per medios, instans operi regnisque futuris. Tum foribus divae, media testudine templi,               505 saepta armis, solioque alte subnixa resedit. Iura dabat legesque viris, operumque laborem partibus aequabat iustis, aut sorte trahebat: cum subito Aeneas concursu accedere magno Anthea Sergestumque videt fortemque Cloanthum,               510 Teucrorumque alios, ater quos aequore turbo dispulerat penitusque alias avexerat oras. Obstipuit simul ipse simul perculsus Achates laetitiaque metuque; avidi coniungere dextras ardebant; sed res animos incognita turbat.               515 Dissimulant, et nube cava speculantur amicti, quae fortuna viris, classem quo litore linquant, quid veniant; cunctis nam lecti navibus ibant, orantes veniam, et templum clamore petebant.

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• Line 495: Participle phrase, "dum stupet, obtutuque haeret defixus in uno", modifies Aeneas, showing his captivated state.
• Line 500: Ablative absolute, "quam mille secutae hinc atque hinc glomerantur oreades", describes the nymphs surrounding Diana.
• Line 505: Dative of agent, "media testudine templi", indicates the location of the temple.
• Line 510: Nominative absolute, "cum subito Aeneas concursu accedere magno Anthea Sergestumque videt fortemque Cloanthum, Teucrorumque alios", sets up Aeneas's sudden surprise.
• Line 515: Gerundive phrase, "orantes veniam, et templum clamore petebant", describes the actions of the Trojan refugees.

#Translation

While Aeneas was marveling at these sights, completely captivated, Queen Dido, of exceptional beauty, entered the temple, surrounded by a large group of young people. She was like Diana leading her dances on the banks of the Eurotas or the heights of Cynthus, with a thousand nymphs clustering around her, carrying a quiver on her shoulder and surpassing all the goddesses in her stride. Latona felt a quiet joy in her heart. Dido was like that, moving joyfully through the crowd, focused on her work and her future kingdoms. Then, at the doors of the goddess, in the middle of the temple with a roof of shields, surrounded by arms, she sat down on a high throne. She was giving laws and regulations to the men, dividing the labor fairly, or drawing lots. Suddenly, Aeneas saw Antheus, brave Sergestus, Cloanthus, and other Trojans, whom a dark storm had scattered and carried to other shores. He and Achates were both amazed and startled, eager to join hands, but the unknown situation troubled them. They concealed their feelings, and under the cover of a cloud, they watched to see what fate had in store for the men, where they had left their ships, and why they had come. For they were all going on the selected ships, begging for permission and calling out to the temple.

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• Participle Phrases: Look for words ending in -ns, -ntis, -tus, -a, -um to identify participle phrases. They often act like adjectives, describing nouns.
• Ablative Absolutes: Recognize these by their two words in the ablative case, often separated by a comma. They provide background information.
• Dative of Agent: Use the dative case to indicate the person or thing performing the action, especially in passive constructions.
• Nominative Absolutes: Look for a clause in the nominative case, often at the beginning of the sentence, that is not grammatically connected to the main clause.
• Gerundive Phrases: Identify gerundives by their -nd- infix and their use to express purpose or necessity.

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Practice Question

Practice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. In line 495, the phrase "dum stupet, obtutuque haeret defixus in uno" functions as: a) A direct object b) An ablative absolute c) A participle phrase d) A dative of agent

2. What grammatical construction is used in line 500 with "quam mille secutae hinc atque hinc glomerantur oreades"? a) A gerundive phrase b) An ablative absolute c) A dative of agent d) A relative clause

Free Response Question:

Explain the significance of the grammatical devices used in lines 495, 500, and 515 in conveying the scene and the emotional states of the characters. (5 points)

• Point 1: Identify the participle phrase in line 495 and explain how it shows Aeneas's captivated state. (1 point)
• Point 2: Identify the ablative absolute in line 500 and explain how it sets the scene of Diana and her nymphs. (1 point)
• Point 3: Identify the dative of agent in line 505 and explain how it indicates the location of the temple. (1 point)
• Point 4: Identify the nominative absolute in line 510 and explain how it sets up Aeneas's surprise. (1 point)
• Point 5: Identify the gerundive phrase in line 515 and explain how it shows the Trojan refugees' actions. (1 point)

#Book 1, Lines 520-578: Ilioneus's Plea and Dido's Response

#Original Passage

Postquam introgressi et coram data copia fandi,               520 maximus Ilioneus placido sic pectore coepit: 'O Regina, novam cui condere Iuppiter urbem iustitiaque dedit gentis frenare superbas, Troes te miseri, ventis maria omnia vecti, oramus, prohibe infandos a navibus ignis,               525 parce pio generi, et propius res aspice nostras. Non nos aut ferro Libycos populare Penatis venimus, aut raptas ad litora vertere praedas; non ea vis animo, nec tanta superbia victis. Est locus, Hesperiam Grai cognomine dicunt,               530 terra antiqua, potens armis atque ubere glaebae; Oenotri coluere viri; nunc fama minores Italiam dixisse ducis de nomine gentem. Hic cursus fuit: cum subito adsurgens fluctu nimbosus Orion               535 in vada caeca tulit, penitusque procacibus austris perque undas, superante salo, perque invia saxa dispulit; huc pauci vestris adnavimus oris. Quod genus hoc hominum? Quaeve hunc tam barbara morem permittit patria? Hospitio prohibemur harenae;               540 bella cient, primaque vetant consistere terra. Si genus humanum et mortalia temnitis arma at sperate deos memores fandi atque nefandi.

'Rex erat Aeneas nobis, quo iustior alter, nec pietate fuit, nec bello maior et armis.               545 Quem si fata virum servant, si vescitur aura aetheria, neque adhuc crudelibus occubat umbris, non metus; officio nec te certasse priorem poeniteat. Sunt et Siculis regionibus urbes armaque, Troianoque a sanguine clarus Acestes.               550 Quassatam ventis liceat subducere classem, et silvis aptare trabes et stringere remos: si datur Italiam, sociis et rege recepto, tendere, ut Italiam laeti Latiumque petamus; sin absumpta salus, et te, pater optime Teucrum,               555 pontus habet Libyae, nec spes iam restat Iuli, at freta Sicaniae saltem sedesque paratas, unde huc advecti, regemque petamus Acesten.'

Talibus Ilioneus; cuncti simul ore fremebant Dardanidae.                                                                           560

Tum breviter Dido, voltum demissa, profatur: 'Solvite corde metum, Teucri, secludite curas. Res dura et regni novitas me talia cogunt moliri, et late finis custode tueri. Quis genus Aeneadum, quis Troiae nesciat urbem,               565 virtutesque virosque, aut tanti incendia belli? Non obtusa adeo gestamus pectora Poeni, nec tam aversus equos Tyria Sol iungit ab urbe. Seu vos Hesperiam magnam Saturniaque arva, sive Erycis finis regemque optatis Acesten,               570 auxilio tutos dimittam, opibusque iuvabo. Voltis et his mecum pariter considere regnis; urbem quam statuo vestra est, subducite navis; Tros Tyriusque mihi nullo discrimine agetur. Atque utinam rex ipse Noto compulsus eodem               575 adforet Aeneas! Equidem per litora certos dimittam et Libyae lustrare extrema iubebo, si quibus eiectus silvis aut urbibus errat.'

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• Line 519: The participle "data" acts as an adjective modifying "copia fandi", indicating that the opportunity to speak has been given.
• Line 524: The subjunctive mood in "prohibe infandos a navibus ignis" shows a request or suggestion, not a command.
• Line 526: The ablative absolute "ventis maria omnia vecti" provides background about the Trojans' journey.
• Line 531: The genitive "Penatis" indicates possession, showing the Trojans' intent.
• Lines 535, 540: The repeated phrase "huc pauci" emphasizes the small number of Trojans and their precarious situation.

#Translation

After they entered and were given the chance to speak, the most prominent of the Trojans, Ilioneus, began with a calm heart: "O Queen, to whom Jupiter has given the power to found a new city and to restrain proud nations, we, the unfortunate Trojans, driven across all the seas by the winds, beg you to keep the unspeakable fire away from our ships, spare our pious people, and look more closely at our situation. We did not come to plunder the Libyan homes with weapons, nor to turn stolen spoils towards the shore; such is not our intention, nor is there such arrogance in the defeated. There is a place that the Greeks call Hesperia, an ancient land, powerful in arms and rich in soil. The Oenotrians lived there; now the rumor is that the people are called Italy after the name of a leader. This was our course: when suddenly the stormy Orion rose and carried us into the hidden shallows, and deep into the reckless south winds, over the waves and over impassable rocks. A few of us have reached your shores. What kind of people are these? What country allows such barbaric customs? We are forbidden from seeking refuge on the sand; they wage war and do not allow us to set foot on the land. If you despise the human race and mortal weapons, then have regard for the gods who remember right and wrong.

Aeneas was our king, than whom no one was more just, nor was he greater in piety, war, and arms. If fate preserves that man, if he breathes the heavenly air, and has not yet fallen to the cruel shades, there is no fear; you will not regret having striven to help him. There are also cities and arms in the Sicilian regions, and Acestes, famous for his Trojan blood. Let it be allowed to pull ashore our fleet, shattered by the winds, and to prepare beams and tie the oars. If we are allowed to head for Italy, with our allies and our king recovered, we will happily seek Italy and Latium. But if our salvation is lost, and the Libyan sea holds you, best father of the Trojans, and there is no hope left for Iulus, then at least let us seek the Sicilian straits and the prepared settlements, from where we were carried here, and King Acestes." Ilioneus spoke in this way, and all the Trojans murmured together with one voice. Then Dido, with her face lowered, spoke briefly: "Release your fear from your hearts, Trojans, and put aside your worries. The harshness of the situation and the newness of my kingdom compel me to do such things and to protect my borders with a guard. Who does not know the lineage of Aeneas, who does not know the city of Troy, the virtues and the men, or the fires of such a great war? The hearts of the Phoenicians are not so dull, nor does the Tyrian sun join horses so far from our city. Whether you desire great Hesperia and the fields of Saturn, or the borders of Eryx and King Acestes, I will send you away safely with help and aid you with resources. You also wish to settle with me in this kingdom; the city that I am building is yours. Bring your ships to shore; Trojans and Tyrians will be treated by me without any distinction. And would that King Aeneas himself, driven by the same south wind, were present! Indeed, I will send out reliable people along the shores and order them to search the farthest parts of Libya, in case he is wandering, cast out in the woods or cities."

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• Subjunctive Mood: Watch for the subjunctive to indicate requests, possibilities, or conditions.
• Genitive Case: Remember the genitive shows possession or relationship. "Penatis" here shows what the Trojans are not there to do.
• Ablative Absolutes: Look for two words in the ablative case, often separated by a comma, to provide background information.
• Repetition: Pay attention to repeated words or phrases, like "huc pauci", for emphasis.

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Practice Question

Practice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. In line 524, the subjunctive mood in "prohibe infandos a navibus ignis" indicates: a) A command b) A statement of fact c) A request or suggestion d) A past action

2. What is the grammatical function of "ventis maria omnia vecti" in line 526? a) Direct object b) Ablative of means c) Ablative absolute d) Dative of agent

Free Response Question:

Analyze how Ilioneus's speech (lines 520-559) and Dido's response (lines 560-578) use rhetorical devices and grammatical structures to convey their respective purposes and emotions. (5 points)

• Point 1: Identify and explain one rhetorical device used by Ilioneus to evoke sympathy from Dido. (1 point)
• Point 2: Identify and explain one grammatical structure used by Ilioneus to emphasize the Trojans' plight. (1 point)
• Point 3: Identify and explain one rhetorical device used by Dido to reassure the Trojans. (1 point)
• Point 4: Identify and explain one grammatical structure used by Dido to show her authority and generosity. (1 point)
• Point 5: Discuss how the use of direct speech in both passages contributes to the reader's understanding of the characters' personalities and intentions. (1 point)

#Wrapping It Up: Key Takeaways

#Grammatical Devices:

• Subjunctive Mood: Used for requests, possibilities, and conditions. Ex: "parce pio generi" (line 524)
• Pluperfect Tense: Indicates action completed before another past action. Ex: "Quassatam ventis liceat subducere classem" (line 552)
• Perfect Tense: Indicates completed action in the past. Ex: "tendere, ut Italiam laeti Latiumque petamus" (line 554)
• Infinitive Phrase: Often used to express purpose. Ex: "moliri, et late finis custode tueri" (line 566)
• Gerund Phrase: Used to describe an action. Ex: "virtutesque virosque" (line 567)
• Indirect Discourse: Reports what someone said or thought. Ex: "Talibus Ilioneus; cuncti simul ore fremebant Dardanidae" (line 560)
• Relative Clauses: Provide additional information about a noun. Ex: "qui fata virum servant" (line 546)
• Comparative Phrases: Compare two or more things. Ex: "quo iustior alter" (line 547)
• Imperative Mood: Used for commands. Ex: "Solvite corde metum, Teucri, secludite curas" (line 564)
• Indefinite Pronouns: Refer to unspecified people or things. Ex: "quis genus Aeneadum" (line 565)
• Personal Pronouns: Refer to specific people or things. Ex: "Res dura et regni novitas me talia cogunt" (line 566)
• Conditional Phrases: Express hypothetical situations. Ex: "si datur Italiam" (line 551)
• Ablative Absolute: Provides background information. Ex: "voltum demissa" (line 563)
• Nominalization: Turning a verb into a noun. Ex: "cogunt" in "Res dura et regni novitas me talia cogunt" (line 56)

#Poetic Devices:

• Alliteration: Repetition of initial consonant sounds. Ex: "Troes te miseri, ventis maria omnia vecti" (line 524)
• Anaphora: Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Ex: "non nos aut ferro Libycos populare Penatis / venimus, aut raptas ad litora vertere praedas" (lines 529-530)
• Asyndeton: Omission of conjunctions. Ex: "Hic cursus fuit: cum subito adsurgens fluctu nimbosus Orion / in vada caeca tulit, penitusque procacibus austris / perque undas, superante salo, perque invia saxa" (lines 534-536)
• Hyperbole: Exaggeration for emphasis. Ex: "Est locus, Hesperiam Grai cognomine dicunt, / terra antiqua, potens armis atque ubere glaebae" (lines 531-532)
• Metaphor: Implied comparison. Ex: "non ea vis animo, nec tanta superbia victis" (line 532)
• Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects. Ex: "cum subito adsurgens fluctu nimbosus Orion" (line 534)
• Simile: Explicit comparison using like or as. Ex: "si quibus eiectus silvis aut urbibus errat" (line 578)
• Rhetorical Question: Question asked for effect, not an answer. Ex: "Quis genus Aeneadum, quis Troiae nesciat urbem, / virtutesque virosque, aut tanti incendia belli?" (lines 565-566)
• Epithet: Adjective or phrase expressing a quality of a person or thing. Ex: "maximus Ilioneus" (line 520)
• Chiasmus: Words arranged in an ABBA pattern. Ex: "Tros Tyriusque mihi nullo discrimine agetur" (line 574)
• Anadiplosis: Repetition of the last word of a clause at the beginning of the next. Ex: "non metus; officio nec te certasse priorem / poeniteat" (lines 544-545)
• Antithesis: Contrasting ideas. Ex: "non obtusa adeo gestamus pectora Poeni, / nec tam aversus equos Tyria Sol iungit ab urbe" (lines 567-568)
• Epizeuxis: Repetition of a word or phrase in immediate succession. Ex: "Hospitio prohibemur harenae; / bella cient, primaque vetant consistere terra" (lines 540-541)
• Litotes: Understatement by using double negatives. Ex: "Quassatam ventis liceat subducere classem" (line 550)
• Epanalepsis: Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning and end of a clause. Ex: "pauci vestris adnavimus oris" (line 537)
• Polysyndeton: Use of many conjunctions. Ex: "parce pio generi, et propius res aspice nostras" (line 526)
• Antonomasia: Use of a proper name to express a general idea. Ex: "Iuppiter" (line 522)
• Anastrophe: Inversion of the usual word order. Ex: "Tros Tyriusque mihi nullo discrimine agetur" (line 574)

#Final Exam Focus

• Grammar: Focus on participle phrases, ablative absolutes, subjunctive mood, and indirect discourse. These are frequent in both MCQs and FRQs.
• Poetic Devices: Be able to identify and explain common devices like alliteration, anaphora, and metaphors. Understanding their effect is crucial.
• Translation: Practice both literal and interpretive translations. Aim for accuracy and clarity.
• Context: Understand the narrative flow and the characters' motivations. This will help with interpretive questions.

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• Time Management: Allocate time for each section of the exam. Don't spend too long on a single question.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid misidentifying grammatical structures. Double-check your answers.
• FRQ Strategy: Plan your answer before you start writing. Use specific examples from the text.
• Stay Calm: Take deep breaths and approach each question methodically. You've got this!