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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Aeneas lose his temper and kill Turnus instead of showing mercy?

2. How does Lausus die?

3. Who fills Tarchon with anger so that he will fight and lead his warriors better?

4. To whom is Camilla compared to as she fights?

5. To which goddess is Camilla dedicated?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How might Turnus be turning into a mini-Achilles (as predicted) in Book IX?

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

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

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

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

9. 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?

10. What might Evander mean when he says that it isn't empty-headed superstition that leads them to celebrate?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Similes and other detailed descriptions help the reader picture and understand things about the settings, characters, and events of this work. Identify an example of a simile being used to describe each of these three things and explain how it is used, what effect it has, and why Virgil might have used that particular simile in that particular place.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the actions of Juno and Venus throughout the story. For what reasons do these two goddesses become entangled in the affairs of humans? At what points do they cross the line and become too involved? At what points does Jupiter intervene and tell them to stop? What techniques and strategies do they use to change the outcomes of events in the world below?

(see the answer keys)

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