Roman Epics XI: Virgil’s Georgics Book 4, or The Birds and the Bees Minus the Birds

Posted byTriumvir ClioPosted inRoman Epics, The Romans

Virgil likes bees for their honey and their metaphorical nature.

If you have PBS Passport, I highly recommend this version of the Gluck opera about Orpheus and Eurydice. It is a beautiful reimagining, modern update. It’s available until 1/16/22, so there’s still time to catch it unless you’ve come to this episode long after it drops.

Discussion Prompts
  1. AP Credit: Compare/contrast Virgil’s understanding of bees and modern science.
  2. If you were in Orpheus’s position, would you be able to resist looking back?
  3. Discuss the various stories about people being punished for looking behind themselves. Why do you think this is a common theme in mythology?
  4. What do you think the larger purpose of the Georgics is?
  5. Which book is your favorite? Why?

Published by Triumvir Clio

I have a BA in History and Classical Civilization from Loyola University Chicago and an MPH from Western Michigan University. I've been a geometry teacher, a religion teacher, a writing tutor. I'm a writer, a knitter, a dancer, a singer, an actor. And, yes, for fun I like to reread everything that was assigned while getting my classics degree.

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