I have just over two weeks before school starts as I sit down to write this blog, (I wrote it on paper a few days ago and I’m only just now putting it up) and for the first time I’m realizing that my Latin assignment might not be my biggest challenge. The introduction to the Aeneid absolutely sucked to read (and in all honestly it was closer to skimming than reading); however, the Vandiver lectures actually were enjoyable to listen to and made me excited to read the Aeneid.
When I read/skimmed the introduction, I noticed that the author brought up a few topics that interested her, and I picked out a few that interested me as well. Here was my list:
- Divine intervention
- Nature of the Gods
- Love/sex theme
- Similarities between the Aeneid and the Odyssey
- Relations to Augustus's and Virgil’s Rome within the book
- Morality as a theme
- Hera (and how she's so very ironic)
- Fate and destiny as a theme
- The role of women in the epic
- Plot inconsistencies (and other evidence that the book was incomplete)
- Nature references (metaphors and similes)
Some I found more enticing than others, but for the most part, I think I could do a research project on any of them. I’ve always found Roman and Greek mythology fascinating and just recently I’ve developed an interest in ancient history, (although I have not done anything to pursue it) so any of my topics relating to mythology and history came about that way. Fate/destiny, the role of women, morals, and sex/love are common literary themes still today, and they are ones that I also find myself drawn to. When Elizabeth Vandiver talked about the plot inconsistencies, that popped into my mind as a potential topic, but I’m not sure if there is enough evidence in the book to make a research project out of it. I don’t remember why at the time of skimming the introduction I wrote down nature references, because I’m actually not overly interested in looking them up or analyzing them. Furthermore, I never fully read the Odyssey (we didn’t have to, I didn’t slack off, I swear) so the similarities between the two epics could be hard for me; however, if part of my research task throughout the year was to read the Odyssey, I suppose I’d be more interested because I loved what I did read. I think I’ve covered all of my longer list topics, but now I’m going to narrow it down to my top 5.
In no particular order:
- Divine intervention/nature of the Gods
- The role of women in the epic
- Love/sex as a theme
- Morals
- Morals
- Relations to Augustus and Virgil’s Rome within the book
However, I also really like the Hera topic, fate and destiny, and plot inconsistencies. I’m really indecisive, and wouldn’t have a problem with any of these, so this is really hard for me, sorry! Now I’ll go through and explain why these make my top 5.
I knew from the beginning that something about the Gods would make the list, because ever since I was little I've always loved Greek and Roman mythology. Seriously though, I think it's awesome. So naturally, this is a topic I'd be cool with. Next, the role of women would be a good topic for me because I consider myself a pretty strong, independent woman as most of the women in this book are. Love/sex is always a winner for me because I'm totally a sucker for anything romantic. I LOVE love (as Aquamarine would say), and I'd love to examine the role love plays in the Aeneid. I think morality would be a great topic to research, especially because it will always be an issue present in the world. Choosing between what is wrong and what is right is sometimes the hardest decision someone can make and it'd be interesting to see how Virgil addresses that throughout the poem. Last, the little bit of a history nerd I have in me appears when I say it'd be really cool to look through the book and see where and how Virgil relates his epic to his present Rome as both Vandiver and the introduction pointed out.
So that's that and my first blog is done. Yes, it was a little long and I apologize.
"for the first time I’m realizing that my Latin assignment might not be my biggest challenge."
ReplyDeleteThat's good! The idea (I hope, at least) is that you all will enjoy the reading on one level or another.
"The introduction to the Aeneid absolutely sucked to read (and in all honestly it was closer to skimming than reading); however, the Vandiver lectures actually were enjoyable to listen to and made me excited to read the Aeneid."
Dr. Fantham is tough. She's dense, but gives a lot of the history background you say that you're interested in. If you decide you'd like to explore the history route more closely, you should definitely read what she has to say. It's very helpful. I'm glad that you're excited to read the epic, it's very exciting (if I say so myself)!
"Some I found more enticing than others, but for the most part, I think I could do a research project on any of them."
This is honestly one of the hardest parts of researching for a lot of people (me included). One often finds so many interesting things to explore that it's somewhat hard to choose. Don't worry, you've got time to narrow things down.
"When Elizabeth Vandiver talked about the plot inconsistencies, that popped into my mind as a potential topic, but I’m not sure if there is enough evidence in the book to make a research project out of it."
There's a TON! It requires some close reading to flesh some of it out (e.g. at one point Aeneas says that the Trojan horse was made of one type of wood, but about 100 lines later he says it was a totally different type) and think about (What does this inconsistency with the wood mean? Is it just a lapse on Virgil's part, or does it mean we should be a bit wary of trusting Aeneas and the story he tells? etc.), but I honestly think it's one of the most fascinating elements of the Aeneid. Dr. James O'Hara (UNC) - a *rock star* in the Classics world - even wrote a whole book about it! (http://www.amazon.com/Inconsistency-Roman-Epic-Lucretius-Literature/dp/0521646421) If you're really into this, I suggest you keep exploring.
"if part of my research task throughout the year was to read the Odyssey, I suppose I’d be more interested because I loved what I did read."
You could certainly do this if you'd like. The Odyssey is also going to be the extra credit reading project for October, so you could kill two birds with one stone.
" I’m really indecisive, and wouldn’t have a problem with any of these, so this is really hard for me, sorry!"
ReplyDeleteNo worries! I usually start out with a million different research ideas. At the beginning of the process, that's a good thing. Take your time, pay attention when you read, and see what really piques your interest. Then let's talk. In the meantime, no apologies necessary.
"Next, the role of women would be a good topic for me because I consider myself a pretty strong, independent woman as most of the women in this book are. Love/sex is always a winner for me because I'm totally a sucker for anything romantic. I LOVE love (as Aquamarine would say), and I'd love to examine the role love plays in the Aeneid."
You could also consider combining some key topics - e.g. Aeneas and Women in love. Aeneas has three (and maybe 4) major love interests in the story: Creusa (wife #1), Dido, Lavinia (wife #2), and (potentially) Anna (via an alternate tradition that Dr. Ahl talks about in his notes). How do his relationships with these women vary? How are they similar? What can we learn about him, the story, etc. from them? Be as creative as possible and your opportunities for combining several of these topics explode.
"Yes, it was a little long and I apologize."
No such thing as too long here. My requirements are more suggestions - the lower end is a firm minimum, but you can write as much as you'd like. Don't apologize. This stuff takes a lot of thought and there's definitely a learning curve. You'll get the hang of it quickly. I'm excited to see what you come up with. Good luck and happy reading!