Study Questions on Aeneid 3–4
1. Book 3 is a kind of respite from the intense action and emotion of books 2 and 4. Why might
Virgil vary the intensity in this way? Can you think of a parallel in theater, music, or film?
2. R.D. Williams has pointed out three major themes in the third book: the labor and exhaustion
of the Trojans, the gradual revelation to Aeneas of his mission, and the guidance of Anchises.
Find two examples of each in the book.
3. How are Aeneas’ wanderings like those of Odysseus? What has Virgil changed? What are the
effects of his changes?
4. The end of the affair (marriage?) between Dido and Aeneas is one of the most famous parts of
the work and one that men and women debate endlessly. Let’s do the same. We’ll split into
gender teams. Men, your task is to explain why Aeneas is right and had to go, and why he had to
leave Dido the specific way that he did. Women, your task is tell that rat-fink jerk off for his
betrayal. Be sure to write down the lines from books three and four that you’ll need to back up
your case. If both sides defend well I won’t have any reason to quiz you!
5. Aeneas seems to have woman trouble. He’s lost two already in the first four books. Why do
you think Virgil keeps doing this to him? What is the effect on your impression of Aeneas’
character?