View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Jupiter tell Hercules is the labor of the brave, since human lifetimes are so short?

2. Which monsters help Vulcan in his forge?

3. Who does Venus want to keep safe by removing him or her from the war between the Trojans and Latins?

4. What portent announces the arrival of Venus with Aeneas' new armor?

5. What does Aeneas say is the only reason he came to Italy?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Venus use references to the Trojan War when meeting with Jupiter at the beginning of Book X?

2. Who are the princes referred to in the book title, how do they die, and why might their deaths be particularly significant?

3. What are some actions that demonstrate the strong friendship between Nisus and Euryalus?

4. How has King Latinus' method of dealing with the war changed since Book VII?

5. Why is it significant that in Latinum, Aeneas and some of his followers eat the wheaten cakes they were using as plates for their meal?

6. What does Jupiter mean when he says that to everyone (Trojan or Rutulian), he is the same king?

7. What is the difference between what Arruns prays for and what he actually receives?

8. What arguments does Sacës use to persuade Turnus to return to the fight?

9. Did Nisus and Euryalus act wisely when attempting to carry out their mission? Why or why not?

10. Why does Juno send Juturna to interfere with the war?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Aeneid is full of examples of images that pop up over and over again. Select one of the following and trace and evaluate examples of its use throughout the work:

1) thunderbolts and lightning

2) fire

3) hunting

4) snakes

5) storms.

Essay Topic 2

How well do you think Aeneas would have been able to fulfill his fate without the help of gods and goddesses? As you answer, take into account the actions of divine beings working against him. If there had been no divine interaction on either side, what might have been the final outcome and why?

Essay Topic 3

Ultimately, how do you think Fate and Fortune work in the lives of any and all of the characters in The Aeneid? Use examples from the text to discuss issues such as:

1) How predetermined is fate and can it be changed? If so, by whom?

2) How are good or bad fortunes won?

3) How free or constrained are the gods and goddesses to act with or against fated outcomes?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,220 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample