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46 pages 1 hour read

Ursula K. Le Guin

Lavinia

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008

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Essay Topics

1.

Lavinia is written in close conversation with Virgil’s Aeneid. Read this original work, paying particular attention to the characterization of Lavinia, Aeneas, and Ascanius. Write an essay comparing and contrasting the two texts.

2.

Le Guin’s novel attempts to reconstruct pre-Roman life in what is now Italy. Research what is known about this place and time and then examine whether Lavinia is a plausible depiction. Why or why not? How well does the novel balance historical accuracy and storytelling?

3.

The poet briefly refers to Dante’s The Divine Comedy in Lavinia. Consider the poet’s position and what it means to be a person or a fictional character. Write an essay exploring this concept, referring to the novel’s themes and its depiction of the poet and the other characters.

4.

Why doesn’t Lavinia die at the end of her story even though the other characters from the Aeneid do? What does this say about Lavinia’s themes?

5.

Several other novels have revisited or reimagined ancient Greek and Roman mythology, including The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker and The King Must Die by Mary Renault. Choose one such novel, and compare and contrast it with Lavinia.

6.

In the Aeneid and in Lavinia, Aeneas’s defining trait is his piety. What is Lavinia’s defining trait? Use textual evidence in developing an argument.

7.

Explore the significance of religious rites in Lavinia. Which characters consider religion important? How does it influence their actions and decisions? Reference the book’s thematic content in developing a thesis.

8.

Lavinia often references the crafts of spinning and weaving. Likewise, weaving is extremely important in Homer’s Odyssey. Consider the use of weaving as a motif in both stories and write an essay about similarities or differences in how they refer to this craft and its importance.

9.

In her afterword, Le Guin explains her frequent use of the word “pagan” in Lavinia, which differs from the Christian use of the word. Write an essay on this word choice and how it helps depict Lavinia and her people.

10.

Lavinia’s understanding of herself and her place in the world changes dramatically as she ages. Trace her character development and connect it to the story’s themes. How does Lavinia’s changing perspective impact the story and the relevance of its themes?

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