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 craft a narrative from Aeneas' perspective, showcasing their understanding of pathos and hyperbole, and engage in a role-playing debate to deepen their grasp of the material.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook and pen for writing narratives
• Access to "Aeneid" excerpts (can be printed or read aloud)
• Art supplies for visual representation (optional)
• Preparation on the themes of nationalism and struggle in Roman literature and art
• Background knowledge of Cleopatra and the significance of her prosperity barge

Activities

• Narrative Writing:

  The student will write a narrative from Aeneas' perspective, focusing on the moment he sees Cleopatra's barge. They will use pathos to express Aeneas' emotions and hyperbole to exaggerate the grandeur of the scene, mimicking the epic style of the "Aeneid."

• Role-Playing Debate:

  The student will choose to be either Virgil or an Augustan artist and participate in a debate about the importance of depicting struggle versus celebrating prosperity in art and literature. They will prepare arguments and counterarguments to engage in a lively discussion.

• Artistic Representation:

  If time allows, the student can create a visual representation of either Aeneas' journey or Cleopatra's barge. This could be a drawing, collage, or digital art piece that reflects the themes discussed in the lesson.

Talking Points

• "What do you think Aeneas felt when he saw Cleopatra's barge? Let's explore that emotion through pathos."
• "Hyperbole is all about exaggeration. How can we use it to make Aeneas' experience more dramatic?"
• "Why do you think Virgil chose to focus on struggle in the 'Aeneid'? What does that say about Roman values?"
• "Contrast the themes of struggle with the celebration of prosperity. How do these themes coexist in Roman society?"
• "Art and literature often reflect the society they come from. What do you think the 'Aeneid' tells us about Roman nationalism?"
• "Cleopatra's barge was a symbol of wealth and power. How does that relate to the idea of prosperity in art?"
• "Debating as Virgil or an Augustan artist, what arguments would you make about the role of struggle in storytelling?"
• "How does the portrayal of struggle in the 'Aeneid' compare to the visual representations in Augustan art?"
• "Discuss the significance of Aeneas as a hero. What makes him relatable to readers even today?"
• "In what ways does the 'Aeneid' serve as a piece of propaganda for Augustus? What themes support this?"
• "How can we see the values of Roman society reflected in both literature and art?"
• "What emotions do you think the audience felt when witnessing Cleopatra's barge? How can we capture that in our narratives?"
• "Why is it important to balance themes of struggle and prosperity in our own stories and art?"
• "How do you think the Romans viewed their past struggles in light of their present prosperity?"
• "What lessons can we learn from the 'Aeneid' and Augustan art about overcoming adversity?"