The Aeneid ~ Books 3 - 6

[Scott]

If you haven't read the first half of The Aeneid, do not read any further. Do not discuss anything past the first half in this thread.

How did you like books 3-6?

The two events that stick out most to me are Dido's suicide and the boxing match.

Do you think Dido overreacted? Do you think it was mean of Aeneas to leave her so abruptly? I think we can all relate to the overwhelming feeling of a broken heart. To me, though, Dido seemed much more in love with Aeneas than Aeneas with her. Do you think it was Aeneas fault that Dido died?

The boxing match interests me because of its barbarism. Though Aeneas stepped in to stop the fight and save Dares, he would have died otherwise which sounded like a common occurrence. That people would kill each other just as a game seems crazy to me. What do you think of it and the other funeral games?

Are there any passages in this part of the book that you found especially enjoyable? Please feel free to quote them.

Did you enjoy reading about Aeneas trip to the underworld? I like reading about it, but I do not like the idea of an underworld with the spirits of the dead.

I'm starting to get the feeling that Aeneas is a real ladies' man. What do you think?

Please post any questions that you want to ask the other readers.

[LoveHatesYou]

Did Dido have a choice? She was shot with Cupid's arrow. Before Aeneas’s arrival, Dido is the competent ruler of Carthage, a city she founded. She is determined not to marry again, and to focus on her political obligations- until Aeneas shows up. Also- she tells someone (her sister- forgive me I don't have the book on me right now) that she is feverisgh- so Cupid's arrow sets her ablaze- and we all know fire can be compared to passion and both are destructive!

Also, after her firm resolution not to marry, and then her public affair with Aeneas, or "obsession", at the expense of her civic responsibilities, she would have lost face and power with her people, certainly respect, as she was sought after- so perhaps suicide was a viable option, all things considered. Spurned lovers are now a viable military threat.

[LoveHatesYou]

Fate- Aeneas is ruled by fate, so I can't really blame him for leaving Dido... though I would really like to. He puts aside his personal desires (Dido) and gives into whatever fate would have him do- unlike Juno and Turnus who defy fate which doesn't exactly work out for them. Also, Aeneas probably is a bit of a ladies man- most heros are- but he's probably not aware of it or doing it on purpose- but his mother is Venus. He also does establish Rome (a city for lover's)- and it was his fate to do so. Fate is almost a character in this story, driving the plot lines, leaving A. blameless for Dido's death- as he did not ignite the love- Cupid did, and then Fate drove him away from her.

Also A. has prved him self compassionate after learning of the underworld, and ensure both sides of soldiers have time to properly bury their dead- and in book V he allowd the unwilling and ill to go home.

I've talked so much I've forgotten what I was answering....

[LoveHatesYou]

Is no one else reading along? Or are we reading but not discussing...?