The Aeneid Key Issues

The death of brave young warriors Think of the death of Nisus and Euryalus in book 9. Focus on the loyalty Nisus shows towards Euryalus. The placing of their heads on spikes, is full of pathos. The youth of Euryalus adds to the tragedy as does the grieving of his mother – the horrors of war! The death of Pallas in book 10: Turnus kills him. Compare Pallas youthful zeal, (his first battle) with the callous experience of Turnus (to him killing is second nature). Pallas is the only child of Evander, who is hearth broken to see his son return deceased. Focus on the heroic funeral they give Pallas, whose courage is honoured.

The death of brave young warriors The death of Camilla – a brave woman fated to die valiantly in battle. Even Opis, her protector, weeps when she is killed – the god Diana cannot prevent her death either. Aeneas kills Lausus, Mezentius’ young son – an act Aeneas later regrets, because of the boys youth. Aeneas is so consumed by rage at the death of Pallas that he does not stop to think about what he is doing. Another young warrior has bitten the dust. In all these deaths there is a focus on their youth and the tragedy of dying young in war. Virgil demonstrates a sensitivity in these deaths and this acts as a counterbalance to the ugliness and remorselessness of warfare.

Aeneas’ Compassion versus Lack of Feeling Aeneas continually subordinates personal feelings in favour of public duty in The Aeneid. At times this can make him seem heartless and unfeeling, however there are many examples of his compassion: The love Aeneas shows for Anchises in book 2 –he refuses to leave him behind in Troy, instead he carries him out of the city on his back. On his way to Italy in book 5 Aeneas stops off at Sicily and holds funeral games in honour of Anchises Aeneas goes back into Troy to look for Creusa – amid the burning ruins of the city - endangering himself. He will not leave his wife behind.

Aeneas’ Compassion versus Lack of Feeling Aeneas avenges the death of Pallas in book 10. The death of the young prince enrages Aeneas who goes on a killing spree after he finds out about the young man’s death. Another show of emotion for the untimely death of his ally. His treatment of Dido in book 4 seems cruel and unfeeling but remember the role of Jupiter, and Mercury (who visits him twice to tell him to leave Carthage and forget about Dido). Aeneas has to depart – what choice does he have?

Aeneas’ Compassion versus Lack of Feeling In book 6 Aeneas meets Dido in the underworld and does try to say sorry. She turns her back on him. Aeneas demonstrates some guilt and remorse here. The Sybil even has to tell him to move on and forget about the matter. Aeneas puts piety and duty before all else - is this good or bad? Aeneas is more loyal to his cause and sacrifices private interests to achieve his mission. This stoicism well reflects the author of the epic and the importance of true Romans showing duty and loyalty to the state.

The role of Anchises Anchises plays a crucial role in the The Aeneid as Aeneas looks up to his father and listens to his advise at all times: In book 3 Anchises prompts Aeneas to leave by sea, when his ships have been built. When Apollo tells Aeneas to go to the land of his ancestors Anchises tells Aeneas to go to Crete, which he does. Likewise, when Anchises realises that this is a mistake he informs Aeneas to follow the advise of the household gods and go to Italy instead where his ancestors hailed from.

The role of Anchises In book 5 the ghost of Anchises comes to Aeneas and tells Aeneas to accept the advise of Nautes and leave a group of Trojans behind, whom he cannot bring because several ships have been destroyed, thanks to one of Juno’s furies. Anchises tells Aeneas to come and visit him in the underworld. In book 6, Anchises has a lengthy talk with his son a bout his future difficulties and successes in Rome. Anchises is essentially a mentor and guide to his uncertain and confused son in the early stages of the epic.

Father Figures Jupiter- father to the gods – makes the final decisions. He hold a war council at least twice in the epic and decides what is to become of Aeneas. Jupiter is more authorative than the scheming Juno and Venus Anchises – guides Aeneas in book 3 on his travels and meets his son in book 5 and 6. Evander is a good father to Pallas and is heart broken to see his son die in battle, but is proud of him and gives him a lavish burial.

Father Figures Mezenthius – tries to avenges the death of his young son Lauses whom Aeneas kills. He tries to kill Aeneas but fails. Aeneas puts Ascanius in charge of his settlement when he is away looking for allies. In book 12 he hugs his son before going into battle with Turnus.

Hospitality in The Aeneid Note how Dido welcomes the Trojans in book 1. She treats them as her guests, giving them a place to stay etc. There is even an exchange of gift-giving to cement this alliance. Aeneas gives her garments taken from his ship. In book 3 the harpies attack Aeneas and his men as they eat on the island of Strophades – they swoop down and try to steal Aeneas’ food. One of the harpies, Celano, even issues a dire warning to Aeneas about his future trials. This is hardly a model example of hospitality.

Hospitality in The Aeneid The Sicilian king is very welcoming to Aeneas and the Trojans in book 5. He allows the Trojans to hold rituals for Anchises and joins them in the funeral games they arrange. At the end of this book he allows some Trojans to remain on because Aeneas does not have enough ships to bring everybody with him to Italy. In Book 7 Aeneas goes to king Latinus. Here is warmly welcomed and the king even tells Aeneas about the prophecy about Lavinia, his daughter, marrying a foreigner. Once again gifts are given. 300 hundred horses with golden bridles. In book 8 Aeneas goes to king Evander. Here he is given food etc. The king offers Aeneas some help- but this is modest because Evander is poor.

Comparisons Between The Aeneid and The Odyssey Many exam questions ask you to make comparisons between different elements of The Aeneid and The Odyssey. The following are the typical areas that are focused on: The visit to the underworld The wanderings of the heroes in each epic Juno hindering Aeneas and Poseidon hindering Odysseus Venus helping Aeneas and Athena helping Odysseus The description of Odysseus in The Odyssey versus the description of Ulysses in The Aeneid The role of Ascanius versus the role of Telemachus