Course Hero Literature instructor Russell Jaffe provides an in-depth summary and analysis of Book 8 of Virgil's epic poem The Aeneid.
Download the free study guide and infographic for The Aeneid here: https://www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Aeneid/infographic/
Virgil's epic poem The Aeneid delves into the lives of several characters from the Trojan saga after the fall of Troy to the Greeks. The Greeks had fought a ten-year war against the city after the Trojan prince Paris stole Helen, the wife of the Greek ruler Menelaus.
Fleeing the Trojans, the hero Aeneas sees his journey (1200-1193 BCE) hampered at every step by divine opposition. He ends up in Carthage, where his queen, Dido, is forced by the goddess Juno to fall in love with him.
When he decides to leave the city to find the home intended for his people, she commits suicide. Aeneas and his followers eventually find themselves in Italy, their predetermined homeland, although they must stage an invasion in order to reclaim their rights.
Filled with familiar characters from Greek mythology, the play connects the legendary Trojans to the founding of Rome and its line of legendary rulers, including Julius Caesar.
One of the greatest Roman poets, Virgil wrote The Aeneid c. 30-19 BCE. It was commissioned by Caesar Augustus to glorify the Roman Empire. Although Virgil died before completing the poem, it survives today.
The poem contains many powerful symbols, such as fire representing destruction and inspiration, Aeneas' shield representing his destiny as the founder of Rome, and the golden branch representing Aeneas' passage to the realm of the dead. Other themes include destiny, respect, the will of the gods and the fate of Rome.
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