Study Questions on Aeneid 7–8
1. Virgil gives us a second proem at 7.45–54. Why does he think the second half, which deals
with the wars between Trojans and Italians before the founding of Rome, will a handle greater
theme? Why is it a greater labor? Does “greater” mean the same thing in each phrase?
2. Why does Turnus despise the Trojans? What was the (nearly) parallel situation in books 1–6?
Why do you think Virgil sets up this parallel, and what is its effect on your expectations for the
books to come?
3. Another parallel in book 7 is the hideous behavior of Juno and Allecto, matching those in
books 1 and 4. We’ve already discussed Juno, but who/what is Allecto and why does she behave
so? Why does the war begin with a stag?
4. Which passage of the Iliad matches the catalog Virgil gives at the end of book 7?
5. Book 8, concerning Evander and Pallanteum, is a peaceful interlude before all Orcus breaks
loose (so to speak) in book 9. Aside from the description of armor at its end, this book is
unparalleled in either Iliad or Odyssey. Why would Virgil insert something completely new?
6. Why does Aeneas need Evander? Why in the world would Evander and his people help the
Trojans?
7. How are Evander’s people depicted? Is their character consistent with the world depicted in
Homer?
8. Where is Pallanteum? What is the significance of Virgil’s description of the site? Try to sketch
out the site based on his description.
