AP Latin : Mythology and Legends in Vergil

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Latin

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Example Questions

Example Question #51 : Syllabus Passages

Aeneas miratus enim motusque tumultu
'dic,' ait, 'o virgo, quid vult concursus ad amnem?
quidve petunt animae? vel quo discrimine ripas
hae linquunt, illae remis vada livida verrunt?'              
olli sic breviter fata est longaeva sacerdos:                      5
'Anchisa generate, deum certissima proles,
Cocyti stagna alta vides Stygiamque paludem,
di cuius iurare timent et fallere numen.
haec omnis, quam cernis, inops inhumataque turba est . . .

The words "Cocyti" and "Stygiamque" (line 7) are references to __________.

Possible Answers:

rivers of the underworld

regions of heaven

regions of Europe

Carthage

Correct answer:

rivers of the underworld

Explanation:

Both of these words are refer to two of the underworld's five rivers: Cocytus, the river of wailingand the Styx, the main river of the underworld and the place by which all the gods swear.

(Passage adapted from the Aeneid by Vergil, 6.317-325)

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