... the Homeric phrase"gaia melaina" with "atra humum", whether intentional or not this is the forerunner to many Graecism's and Homeric references in this passage. Other examples include the Greek accusative "paeana" perhaps picking up Achilles speech to the Greeks after the death of Hector in Iliad 22.365 a particularly apt epic reference in this instance. Further to this is Vergil's probable adaptation ... of Homer's sleep of bronze (Iliad 11.241). Connington also points out the similarity between lines 734-735 and Iliad 7.243 indeed Mezentius" victim Orodes has forecast the imminent fat...

• Word Count: 1002
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate