For this module’s homework, you were to read an excerpt from The Aeneid (p. 126 - 151 in Literature for the Adventures in the Human Spirit), an epic by the great Roman writer, Virgil (70-19 B.C. E.) Book IV depicts Aeneas stormy affair with Dido, the Queen of Carthage. As Philip Bishop states, “The dalliance with Dido is the epics greatest test of Aeneas’ devotion to duty […] his destiny pales in comparison to the self-immolating heat of Dido’s passion”.
After reading the text, do you believe that Aeneas’s behavior marks him as a hero? Could Dido’s act be considered heroic? How does the epic mirror desired characteristics of Romans at the height of the Roman Empire?
For a total of 50 points, you need to:
-
make a relevant point in response to the question (15 points)
-
provide a quote from the text to illustrate your point (10 points)
-
reference another student’s contribution (use his or her name) unless you are the first one to post (10 points)
-
write a paragraph of 200 words or more (15 points)