Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to analyze and compare the themes of nationalism and struggle in Virgil's "Aeneid" and Augustan public art. They will understand how these themes reflect the values of Roman society and how they are presented through different artistic mediums. The student will also create a narrative from Aeneas' perspective and engage in a role-playing debate to deepen their understanding of these themes.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook and pen for writing
• Access to a copy of Virgil's "Aeneid" (can be excerpts)
• Art supplies for creating visuals (optional)
• Background information on the Augustan period and its art
• Understanding of pathos and hyperbole in literature

Activities

• Narrative Writing: The student will write a narrative from Aeneas' perspective, focusing on the moment of celebrating prosperity on Cleopatra's barge. They will incorporate elements of pathos and hyperbole to reflect the epic style of the "Aeneid." This will help them understand Aeneas' emotions and the grandeur of Roman achievements.

• Role-Playing Debate: The student will choose to represent either Virgil or an Augustan artist in a debate about the importance of depicting struggle versus celebrating prosperity in art and literature. This activity encourages critical thinking and helps them articulate their understanding of the themes in a lively format.

• Artistic Expression: After the debate, the student can create a visual representation of either the struggle depicted in the "Aeneid" or the celebration of prosperity in Augustan art. This can be a drawing, collage, or even a digital creation, allowing them to express their understanding creatively.

Talking Points

• "What do you think Aeneas felt as he sailed on Cleopatra's barge? Can you imagine the mix of emotions?"
• "Pathos is all about making people feel something. How can we use it to make Aeneas' story more powerful?"
• "Hyperbole means exaggeration. What are some examples of hyperbole in the 'Aeneid' that stand out to you?"
• "Why do you think Virgil chose to highlight struggle? What does that say about Roman values?"
• "In contrast, how does Augustan art celebrate prosperity? What messages do you think they wanted to convey?"
• "How does the portrayal of struggle in literature compare to visual art? Can they communicate the same message?"
• "What role does nationalism play in both the 'Aeneid' and Augustan art? Why is that important?"
• "Think about the audience of Virgil’s time. What would they have valued more: struggle or prosperity?"
• "How can we relate these themes to our own society today? Do we celebrate struggle or prosperity?"
• "What do you think makes a story epic? Is it the characters, the struggles, or the triumphs?"
• "How can you use your own experiences to write Aeneas’ narrative? What struggles or celebrations have you faced?"
• "What artistic techniques can we use to depict struggle versus prosperity? How can colors or shapes convey emotions?"
• "How does understanding these themes help us appreciate literature and art more deeply?"
• "What lessons can we learn from Aeneas’ journey that apply to our lives today?"
• "How do you think the themes of the 'Aeneid' and Augustan art would change if they were created today?"