This study focuses on the analysis of the direct speech between divine and human characters in Vergil's Aeneid, with particular emphasis on the presence of features regarded as familiar and colloquial. Given that the Vergilian epic is a genre habitually regarded as an artificial construction and of a style which distances itself from normal, everyday language, this study will seek to confirm whether there is a significant accumulation of features of spoken language in the gods' discourse. The approach of this analysis will be essentially syntactical and in necessary correlation with a pragmatic point of view.1 For the problems posed by these terms and the caution with which they should be employed, cf. Dickey (2010a, 2010b), Chahoud (2010: 42-44). In many cases perhaps the "conversational" aspect should be discussed before the "colloquial/familiar" one, at least regarding the analysis carried out here. 2 Cf. Cordier (1939), EV (Enciclopedia Vergiliana), Lyne (1989), etc. 3 This has been examined in isolation by Hofmann and Szantyr (1965), as is recognized by Horsfall (1995: 218). Brought to you by | Harvard University Authenticated Download Date | 7/2/15 9:41 AM 4 Cf. Highet (1972: 3). 5 I.e., the divine speeches that he analyzes in his work: Aen. 1,227-297 (Venus and Jupiter); Aen. 4,90-128 (Juno and Venus); Aen. 10,1-116 (Jupiter, Juno, and Venus); Aen. 12,791-842 (Jupiter and Juno). Brought to you by | Harvard University Authenticated Download Date | 7/2/15 9:41 AM 6 Cf., among others, Zaffagno (1987: 979) or O'Hara (1996: 243). Brought to you by | Harvard University Authenticated Download Date | 7/2/15 9:41 AM 7 As already noted, Harrison (2010) has examined key passages in which conversation only takes place between gods (cf. note 5). As for the presence of rhetorical elements in some Aeneid speeches, cf. Calboli (1989c); a deep analysis of this aspect -although very interesting in itself -would lengthen this article more than recommended. Such an undertaking will be done elsewhere. 8 Cf. Highet (1972: 323-326). In order of appearance, it concerns specifically the following passages: (i) with different speakers: Aen. 1,321-409 (Venus and Aeneas); Aen. 3,85-117 (Aeneas, Apollo, and Anchises); Aen. 3,247-266 (Celeno and Anchises); Aen. 4,206-275 (Yarbas, Jupiter, and Mercury); Aen. 6,623-652 (Iris and Pyrgo); Aen. 5,843-851 (Sleep and Palinurus); Aen. 6,388-407 (Charon and Sibyl); Aen. 7,421-455 (Allecto and Turnus); Aen. 8,36-78 (Tiber and Aeneas); Aen. 9,6-22 (Iris and Turnus); Aen. 9,598-656 (Numanus, Ascanius, and Apollo). (ii) With a single speaker: Verg. Aen. 1,37-49; Aen. 7,293-322 (Juno); Verg. Aen. 2,116-119 (Apollo to the Greeks); Verg. Aen. 2,594-620 (Venus to Aeneas); Verg. Aen. 3,154-171 (gods and Phrygian Penates to Aeneas); Verg. Aen. 4,560-570 (Mercury [?] to Aeneas); Verg. Aen. 4,702-703 (Iris to Dido); Verg. Aen. 8,439-443 (Vulcan to the Cyclops); Verg. Aen. 8,612-614 (Venus to Aeneas); Verg. Aen. 9,114-117 (Cybele to the Trojans and their ships); Verg. Aen. 11,841-849 (Opis to Camilla); Verg...
