Thoughts on Chapter 2
I'd like to start off by saying I do not enjoy reading all of these names and places that I do not know or recognize. Im going to have to go back and research some of these names and places to really understand what I am reading. It is also hard to follow the story because I do not always know who is talking. This really makes me appreciate the fact that some professors make you write as if no one knows what is going on. But, chapter two made more sense than anything because we have already read and know the story of the Trojan War.
While reading this, I did learn some interesting things about the Trojan War that I did not know before. For example, in Book two, lines 159 to 162, it says that since a sacrifice calmed the winds for the soldiers to make the journey, there must also be a sacrifice to allow them back home. Now I assume this is still talking about the Trojan war.
I found lines 59-63 to be comical or funny. These lines say "'Oh poor people, Men of Troy, what madness has come over you? Can you believe the enemy truly gone? A gift from the Danaans, and no ruse? Is that Ulysses' way, as you have known him?'" Troy is basically getting teased for accepting the gift of the Trojan Horse and falling for the trick. I found this was too funny as I was reading.
In lines 360-397, we are told of a dream Aeneas, the speaker, dreams of Hector. In this dream, Hector is all bloody and stuff from his battle with Achilles. From what I can tell, Hector is telling Aeneas to leave and find "the great walls" that he will dedicate. So I may be completely wrong in what I'm asserting from this in my sleepy state of mind. I think he is dreaming that Hector is saying this while the war is still going on, and telling him to find a new city for him to dedicate. But, aren't the surviving Trojans already in a new city? Is Hector telling him to find a new city? Am I accurate in what I took from these lines? Someone please tell me if I'm wrong. This reading is a little hard for me to follow. Hopefully I will have my questions answered when we discuss in class.
Sydney Snow
P.S. I commented on Joshua's and Eliza'a post.
While reading this, I did learn some interesting things about the Trojan War that I did not know before. For example, in Book two, lines 159 to 162, it says that since a sacrifice calmed the winds for the soldiers to make the journey, there must also be a sacrifice to allow them back home. Now I assume this is still talking about the Trojan war.
I found lines 59-63 to be comical or funny. These lines say "'Oh poor people, Men of Troy, what madness has come over you? Can you believe the enemy truly gone? A gift from the Danaans, and no ruse? Is that Ulysses' way, as you have known him?'" Troy is basically getting teased for accepting the gift of the Trojan Horse and falling for the trick. I found this was too funny as I was reading.
In lines 360-397, we are told of a dream Aeneas, the speaker, dreams of Hector. In this dream, Hector is all bloody and stuff from his battle with Achilles. From what I can tell, Hector is telling Aeneas to leave and find "the great walls" that he will dedicate. So I may be completely wrong in what I'm asserting from this in my sleepy state of mind. I think he is dreaming that Hector is saying this while the war is still going on, and telling him to find a new city for him to dedicate. But, aren't the surviving Trojans already in a new city? Is Hector telling him to find a new city? Am I accurate in what I took from these lines? Someone please tell me if I'm wrong. This reading is a little hard for me to follow. Hopefully I will have my questions answered when we discuss in class.
Sydney Snow
P.S. I commented on Joshua's and Eliza'a post.
I think Hector means found a new city for the Trojan survivors. This book is, after all, about the founding of Rome. That is where the big issue comes in over whether Aeneas decides to stay or not. I think he knows he must continue on but this city is so much like home that he feels he should settle there instead.
ReplyDeleteSo many questions! I feel that. This book gives me a headache, but it seems like it's really interesting. Deep, deep down underneath all the details, it must make since. Also, I like how you're approaching the confusing bits of the book. Going back to research and understand the time and the people so that you can understand the literature.
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