Questions on the Aeneid Books 1-4
1. Aeneas as a character is known for his piety, both to the gods, his family and his fate. Pick
three examples from the book that demonstrate his ‘pietas’. (6)
- He shows piety to his family when he carries his father during the fall of Troy
- He shows piety to his fate when he leaves Dido in order to fulfil his destiny, despite
being in love with her
- He shows piety to the gods when listening to their advice, especially from Venus, his
mother, during the fall of Troy
2. During the fall of Troy how does Aeneas receive divine help and why is this significant? (4)
- Venus tells him not to kill Helen and to save his own family and leave. This is significant
as it paves the way for Aeneas to follow his destiny and Helen to follow hers
- The gods send a sign to help Anchises choose to leave, as he realises from the flames
over Iulus’ head that he needs to follow Aeneas. This is significant as it shows the
effect and influence the gods have.
- The gods tell Aeneas through Creusa that he needs to find a kingdom and marry a
foreign princess. This is significant as it introduces his fate
3. Why is the scene in the citadel between Pyrrhus and Priam’s family so emotive? Make two
points (4)
- It is made more emotive and almost pitiful due to Priam trying to put on his armour
despite being too old to fight
- Furthermore, Polites had to watch his family die – it is made more emotive as he
stumbles towards his mother just before her death
4. Why is it necessary that Creusa must die during the fall of Troy? (2)
- In order for Aeneas to fulfil his destiny, which involves him marrying a foreign woman.
- It was also necessary for Dido to fall in love with him
5. What makes Dido’ death particularly tragic? Make two points (4)
- It’s particularly tragic as she says, ‘bear forever the curse of my death!’ regarding
Aeneas, showing the emotion and pain within her
- She made an attempt to speak before her death but was unable to
- Her ladies and sister were made to help aid her death
1. Aeneas as a character is known for his piety, both to the gods, his family and his fate. Pick
three examples from the book that demonstrate his ‘pietas’. (6)
- He shows piety to his family when he carries his father during the fall of Troy
- He shows piety to his fate when he leaves Dido in order to fulfil his destiny, despite
being in love with her
- He shows piety to the gods when listening to their advice, especially from Venus, his
mother, during the fall of Troy
2. During the fall of Troy how does Aeneas receive divine help and why is this significant? (4)
- Venus tells him not to kill Helen and to save his own family and leave. This is significant
as it paves the way for Aeneas to follow his destiny and Helen to follow hers
- The gods send a sign to help Anchises choose to leave, as he realises from the flames
over Iulus’ head that he needs to follow Aeneas. This is significant as it shows the
effect and influence the gods have.
- The gods tell Aeneas through Creusa that he needs to find a kingdom and marry a
foreign princess. This is significant as it introduces his fate
3. Why is the scene in the citadel between Pyrrhus and Priam’s family so emotive? Make two
points (4)
- It is made more emotive and almost pitiful due to Priam trying to put on his armour
despite being too old to fight
- Furthermore, Polites had to watch his family die – it is made more emotive as he
stumbles towards his mother just before her death
4. Why is it necessary that Creusa must die during the fall of Troy? (2)
- In order for Aeneas to fulfil his destiny, which involves him marrying a foreign woman.
- It was also necessary for Dido to fall in love with him
5. What makes Dido’ death particularly tragic? Make two points (4)
- It’s particularly tragic as she says, ‘bear forever the curse of my death!’ regarding
Aeneas, showing the emotion and pain within her
- She made an attempt to speak before her death but was unable to
- Her ladies and sister were made to help aid her death
