Example of an essay question on the Aeneid: Virgil was more concerned to instruct his audience than to entertain it’. How far do you agree? Support your answer with details from the book of the Aeneid which you have read.

Agree- Narrative (the plot follows the fulfilment of Aeneas’ divine mission, a quest which unlike that of Odysseus is not personal, but public; it is the Roman imperial mission. As early as Book 1, importance is placed on this quest, as it is here that Jupiter, as the agent of destiny, gives a speech prophesising a glorious future for the Romans. Aeneas’ quest is not merely to “see the city of Lavinium and its promised walls” and marry Lavinia, rather it is to father a new civilisation and “way of life”). Propaganda (Books 6 and 8). Character of Aeneas (He is more of a symbol of the ideal Roman, and thus an educative tool for the audience, rather than a character of real emotional depth. He embodies many Augustan values, including leadership and stoicism) 

Disagree- The artistry of the poem is not neglected, even if it is not always the focus; Narrative Structure (In terms of the narrative structure, the Aeneid works on two levels; the human world of the Trojans and the Latins and the mythological world of the gods). Pathos (Creusa, Dido, Pallas). The extended similes (Dido as the 'Queen bee').