The Aeneid Book four The tragedy of Dido

SUMMARY of book 3 Book 3 is narrated by Aeneas to Dido (but may have been placed here at a later stage). In the first sentence Aeneas attributes the destruction of Troy to the gods and emphasises the whole course of exiled journeys is directed by omens from the gods. Aeneas has left Troy in a search of a western land across the sea (Rome). Aeneas begins to understand his mission more clearly in this book. Aeneas tries to obey the vague orders of the Gods, and keeps making false starts for seven long years. Most of the prophecies in book 3 are concerned with first getting Aeneas to Italy and then to the right spot in Latium. First he tries to settle in Thrace, but an evil omen drives him away and he consults the oracle at Delos for directions (but oracles are vague and ambiguous). This is one of the many prophecies that they receive in this book. .

What Happens in Book Three? In Book Three, Aeneas continues telling the story of how he came to be in Dido’s court in Carthage. He outlines the Trojans seven years of wandering across the Mediterranean, looking for the place that they are destined to settle in. Their journey is shown below.

Dido talks to Anna about Aeneas

Anna convinces Dido to be with Aeneas

Dido makes Sacrifices to the gods to pray for a blessing on her and Aeneas relationship

Dido finds the bad omens from the sacrifices

A Sister’s Advice p.97-98 What advice does Anna give Dido in this conversation? For what reasons does she give this advice? What else does Dido reveal about herself in this conversation?

Been in Dido’s situation??? You kind of like someone. But you aren’t sure… And your friend DEFINITELY thinks you should be together, and gives you heaps of ideas why it could work… And all you need is the extra encouragement, and you are sold! You are into him!

Dido is deeply in love. She holds Ascanius close just because he looks like his father

The building of Carthage comes to a standstill The building of Carthage comes to a standstill. Dido neglects her growing city.

Juno approaches Venus

Venus and Juno agree to a plan! Hehe, stupid oh so silly Yes!

Juno’s Scheme (pgs 100-101) How does Juno show sarcasm in her first words to Venus? What offer does she make to Venus? Why is Venus suspicious? To whose authority does she ask Juno to appeal? What is Juno’s plan? Why does Venus agree to the plan?

Dido and Aeneas prepare to go hunting

Ascanius/iulus has a great time on the hunt

It begins to rain and aeneas and dido take shelter in a nearby cave…. Convenient Nearby cave

The ‘Marriage’ of Aeneas and Dido (pgs.101-102) 1. Who has organised this ‘marriage’ and why? 2. How does Virgil show his disapproval in his description of the union between Aeneas and Dido in the cave?

Iarbas complains to Jupiter

Jupiter sends Mercury on a mission Tell aeneas to get a wriggle on!! No worries!

Mercury aproches Aeneas who is helping build carthage and tells him to leave It’s time to go AENEAS!

Aeneas doesn’t know what to do!

Aeneas tells his men to prepare the boats to leave

Dido confronts Aeneas

Aeneas tries to explain himself, while Dido has her back turned to him

Dido faints

Dido watches the trojans prepare their ships

Dido asks anna to make one last plea to aeneas for her

Anna pleads with Aeneas to stay but he is not moved

Dido gets bad omens, her holy water turns black and wine turns into blood

Dido experiences nightmares

Dido appears happy to Anna and approaches her with a plan

The pyre is built with aeneas’ things on it

Aeneas, asleep on his boat, dreams of Mercury

Aeneas and his men leave Carthage

Didos Curse (p.116) “From then onwards shall you, my Phoenicians, torment with acts of pursuing hate all his descendants to come, each member of his line.” (Dido, p.116)