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. Which of the following is NOT something Vulcan and the Cyclops crafted?

2. Why does Aeneas trust he can approach Evander safely as a supplicant?

3. How does Turnus' acceptance of the challenge to fight in single combat make Aeneas feel?

4. Who is sent by Juno to Turnus at the beginning of Book IX to tell him now is the time to attack the Trojans?

5. Why does Nisus surrender to the Rutulians?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Evander mean when he tells Aeneas that Aeneas must have the courage to shape himself to fit through the low doorway into Evander's humble home, besides the literal fact that Aeneas is too tall to walk through the doorway without stooping a bit?

2. What does the use of Iris as a messenger at the end of Book IX tell the reader about the balance of power between the gods?

3. Why would Aeneas' shield be covered with the deeds of his descendants?

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

5. How does Jupiter become involved with the war in Book XI, and does this seem fair after he said before in Book X about being the same king to both Trojans and Rutulians?

6. 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?

7. What suggestions are given in this book as to how the conflict can be resolved?

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

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

10. How does Jupiter ensure that Aeneas will win the combat with Turnus?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the role of signs, portents, omens, prophesies, and so forth in The Aeneid. What are some forms these signs take? Who sends them, if anyone? Can false signs be sent, and if so, for what purpose? How do people fare when they interpret signs correctly and follow them? How do they fare when they try to act against them?

Essay Topic 2

The proper disposal of the dead is an important issue that runs throughout The Aeneid. Use examples from the work to explain how one should dispose of one's own dead and how one should allow one's enemy to dispose of their dead, and why.

Essay Topic 3

How much of Turnus' fate at the end of The Aeneid is due to fate, and how much is it due to fortune? As you answer, consider and discuss the following points:

1) What effect did Jupiter have on the outcome of the fight and why?

2) How might things have turned out differently if Turnus had not taken plunder from Pallas?

3) What has Jupiter said all along about the interworkings of fate and fortune and the time allotted each man to live?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,414 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample