Introducing 

Prezi AI.

Your new presentation assistant.

Refine, enhance, and tailor your content, source relevant images, and edit visuals quicker than ever before.

Loading…
Transcript

Themes in The Aeneid Book 8

by Sierra Arnold

Vulcan's Armor

Victory: Augustus is glorified in the Battle of Actium; Antony and Cleopatra, the enemy, are shown fleeing; there is a scene of a parade of conquered people

--important as inspiration for Aeneas' battle

Piety: Augustus establishes 300 shrines throughout Rome; the Roman gods are glorified in the Battle of Actium; shield itself is reminder of the gods' power and skill

--reminder to Aeneas to remember the gods' help through every event

Evander

Hercules/Cacus

The overall idea of Book 8 is that Aeneas is preparing for a final battle and he is about to truly confront his fate. The Latin army is the last obstacle to the founding of Rome, which is Aeneas' great destiny.

Death/destruction: Hercules destroys the entire hill and breaks open Cacus' lair; the cliff's "bulk is widely shattered; "crags hang down in mighty ruin;" Cacus violently killed men

--connects to the death and destruction that is approaching for the war with the Latins

Victory: Hercules destroys Cacus' hideout and kills him; Hercules overcomes various other challenges including wars, the labors set by Juno

--connects to Aeneas' hopes for victory in battle

Paternal feelings: Evander also allows his son to go make something of himself with the Trojans but begs for him to come back safely.

--Aeneas also has important paternal roles, both as the ancestor of the Romans and as a father figure to Ascanius and Pallas

Friendship/hospitality: Evander welcomes the Trojans and is easily convinced to extend aid to the Aeneas' cause. He offers his own shabbily furnished home to Aeneas and aranged a feast for the Trojans. He also tells Aeneas of more potential allies.

--sharp contrast to the Latins

  • Aeneas approaches the Arcadians and the Etrurians for help in war against the Latins.
  • He receives a special shield from Vulcan that displays the future of his race.
  • Aeneas sees omens from the gods that predict his success (sow, shield).

Tiberinus & The Sow

Piety: Aeneas is told by the god Tiberinus to pray to Juno and show respect for her; he is also told to honor Tiberinus.

Will of the gods: Tiberinus tells Aeneas to not worry as "the gods' swollen anger has died away;" he advises that Aeneas try to calm Juno's "anger and her threats"

Learn more about creating dynamic, engaging presentations with Prezi