Understanding of Nisus (lines 186-196)

Understanding of Nisus (lines 186-196)

1. 'inuadere magnum'

   • 'to charge... some grand (adventure)'
   • ambiguous: leads to suspense
   • Emphatic positioning
     • at the end
     • positioning mimics verbs
   • Ironic: his next adventure will take his life
   • 'inuadere' -> fiesty
   • always thinking about war
   • N is destined for fame

2. 'uideor repire posse uiam'

   • 'I seem to be able to find a way'
   • can navigate well
   • skilled

3. 'placida... quiete'

   • 'calm rest'
   • Juxtaposition of warlike words with peace
     • Perhaps N is suffering from internal conflict
     • Foreshadows future berzerk

4. 'cernis'

   • 'You see'
   • Teaching E
   • Good observation
   • Emphatic positioning
     • at start
     • emphasis

5. 'fiducia rerum'

   • 'confident in their situation'
   • Opposite of N
     • N is suffering internal unrest
   • On the surface: they seem stronger

6. 'lumina rara micant'

   • 'lamps shine far apart'
   • obvious but important observation
   • natural leader
   • overconfidence is a weakness
     • warning for future E + N berserk?

7. 'solute/ procubere'

   • 'dissolved in wine and lay there'
     • Even from far away N can see
       • meticuluous
   • Enjambment
     • enemies' overflowing confidence
     • N easily finds faults in enemy
       • good leader

8. '(nam mihi facti/ fama sat est)'

   • '(for the glory of the deed is enough for me)'
     • Ironic: N gains glory but for being BFF not great warrior
     • wise words
       • respected and educated

9. 'sententia surgat.'

   • 'idea rises'
   • pause after verb
     • suspense
   • Sibilance
     • foreshadowing bad outcome
   • N is creative and quickly forms plan
     • natural leader

10. 'omne'

    • 'Everyone'
      • N is aware of what is going on
      • Hyperbole