Dies Lunae
a.d. X Kalendas Februarias

Lege Latine (read in Latin): Aen. 1.64–91 in Pharr.

Lege Anglice (read in English): Introduction to Vergil’s life and Works (Handout); Timeline of Vergil’s lifetime (Handout); Introduction to Dactylic Hexameter (Handout).

Scribe (write): Aen. 1.65–68 (on Scanning Worksheet).

Meditare (ponder): Literary Term of the Day: Assonance (aka Alliteration). Assonance often signals moments of heightened emotion or action. In Latin, it also has can supply a tinge of archaism or formalism, recalling as it does the songs and incantations that comprise early Italic (oral) poetry. For example, one of the better known lines of Ennius’ Annales reads, O Tite tute Tati tibi tanta tyranne tulisti (”Oh Titus Tatius you brought upon yourself such great misfortunes”). Note the prevalence of assonance in Juno’s entreaty to Aeolus.

Probatiuncula Prima, Dies Lunae, a.d. X Kalendas Februarias

Dies Mercurii
a.d. VIII Kalendas Februarias

Lege Latine (read in Latin): Aen. 1.91–123, 148–152 in Pharr.

Lege Anglice (read in English): Aen. 1.124-147, 153–194; Homer, Odyssey 5. 309–547.

Scribe (write): Aen. 1.148–152 (on Scanning Worksheet).

Meditare (ponder): Compare the situations, reactions, and outcomes of Aeneas and Odysseus during their respective storms. Both arrive at a land where a young, unmarried woman will provide both assistance and temptation. Note especially the differences in what the two heroes do once they reach shore.

Dies Veneris
a.d. VI Kalendas Februarias

Lege Latine: Aen. 1.195–222..

Lege Anglice: Homer, Iliad 5.178–395; 20.185–385.

Meditare: Literary Terms of the Day: Synecdoche and Metonymy. Find one example of either (they are closely related terms and certain literary figures can be both); 2) How does Aeneas seek to inspire the Trojans? What disconnect exists between his public persona and his personal feelings. 3) In the Iliad, Homer presents Aeneas’ confrontations with Diomedes (Book 5) and Achilles (Book 20). The issue of when a god can actively intervene to help a mortal (see, for example, Zeus’ near decision to save his son Sarpedon in Iliad 16.514–548, provided at the end of today’s packet). What justifications are given for saving Aeneas? How does he acquit himself in battle?