Book II
As we meet Aeneas the hero for the first time in this book, Virgil is faced with a dilemma. A Homeric hero would fight, even in the face of defeat (much as Hector in Book 22), in order to attain kleos in death. But Aeneas cannot be allowed to do this, for there is the destiny of the future Romans at stake. Aeneas must flee. But how can Virgil allow him to do this without him appearing the coward? The solution is to show Aeneas as a slow learner, who gradually accepts his destiny but not without constant attempts to stand and fight as Troy burns around him.
Task 1: consider how each of the following try to convince Aeneas to flee:
- The ghost of Hector
- Venus
- The ghost of Creusa
Rome's Destiny
In Book IV Aeneas' commitment to this is tested. He eventually leaves Dido in order to found a new homeland for the Trojans, but he requires strong words from Jupiter, delivered to him by Mercury
In Book VI, Aeneas sees the future heroes of the Roman people, allowing him to appreciate the importance of pursuing destiny above all else. Furthermore, the words of his father at this point highlight how different a Roman hero ought to be, compared to the traditional Homeric mode:
Your task, Roman, and do not forget it, will be to govern the peoples of the world in your empire. These will be your arts - and to impose a settled pattern upon peace, to pardon the defeated and war down the proud.
Leaving the Homeric Mode Behind
Compare the Roman and Homeric Hero:
Aspect | Homeric Hero | Roman Hero |
Emotion | Homeric heroes display emotion and are frequently driven by it. Achilles is the archetype here; he and many others are the victims of his anger. | Roman heroes are not unfeeling. Rather, the ideal is the ability to hold it in check if needed. Aeneas is forced to leave Dido, despite his love for her; he gives greater importance to the future destiny. |
Piety | Homeric heroes, such as Odysseus, Diomedes and Achilles, frequently receive help from the gods and are always willing to acknowledge this. Yet they are able to defy the gods too. Achilles is prepared to ignore their will and Diomedes even assaults several gods. | A Roman hero’s relationship with the gods is far less self-centered. They do receive divine assistance but their piety is not diminished when they suffer at their hands. Aeneas is prepared to sacrifice to Juno after Thybris visits him. Romans typically dedicate their spolia (spoils) to the gods. |
Individuality | Gaining kleos is at the forefront of a Homeric hero’s mind. The aristeia of a hero gains them individual fame and a hero like Odysseus is eager to promote the memory of his own exploits. Their time is manifest in that which they take in battle and receive/give in the act of xenia. | The Romans were careful when encouraging individual exploits as their military system required cohesion. However, their military honours show that feats of daring were still allowed. What is important is the service individual feats provide others, rather than purposefully seeking opportunities to do it alone. |
Family and the City | Homeric heroes place weight on their family and home. In particular, family members are needed to ransom captives, bury the fallen and keep the hero’s memory alive. Hector is also prepared to put the needs of Troy first, although he is unique in this. | The Roman hero is often branded as a protector, both of the family and the community at large. In this, they are far less self-serving than the typical Homeric hero and are mindful of the future fate of everyone. |
N.B. a copy of the table can be found in the appendix to your Aeneid Book XII booklet.
The Progression of Aeneas and the Finale
Throughout the Aeneid, we have seen Aeneas develop from a Homeric hero into a Roman one. It comes as a shock to see his final action as one of vengeance and anger. The question at the end of the epic is has Aeneas become a Roman hero, admittedly with lapses at times, or does he not quite attain this.
Task 2: consider Aeneas' development using the following discussion points:
Book | Consider the following… |
Book 1 | What sort of character does Virgil set out in his opening lines? How does Aeneas demonstrate leadership qualities? How does Aeneas show his piety? How is Aeneas already aware of his destiny? |
Book 2 | How does this Book show Aeneas’ urge to fight vs the need to follow destiny? How does Aeneas show his leadership qualities? How does Aeneas demonstrate his piety and devotion to his family? |
Book 4 | How does Virgil show a tension between Aeneas’ love for Dido and his divine mission? Why does the latter eventually win out? |
Book 6 | Why might this Book be considered the turning point for Aeneas’ development into a hero? How does Aeneas show his piety and family devotion? How is the destiny of Aeneas and his ancestors emphasised? |
Book 7 | What impression does Aeneas make on Latinus? How does Aeneas demonstrate his piety? |
Book 8 | How does Aeneas respond to the prospect of war? How does Aeneas show his piety? What allows Aeneas to win over the Arcadians and Etruscans to his side? How does Aeneas view Pallas? What does his new shield reveal about Aeneas and his destiny? |
Book 10 | How does Aeneas show his leadership qualities? How does Aeneas appear in battle? How does Aeneas respond to the deaths of Pallas, Lausus and Mezentius? |
Book 12 | How does Aeneas act when the truce is being drawn up and when it is first violated? Why is Aeneas initially focused on Turnus? Why does Aeneas dive into the enemy ranks? How are the gods shown to be on Aeneas’ side? How does Aeneas appear in battle? How does Aeneas respond to Turnus’ appeal for mercy? |
N.B. a copy of the table can be found in the appendix to your Aeneid Book XII booklet.
Scholars on Aeneas' Character
Adam Parry says:
“Aeneas from the start is absorbed in his own destiny, a destiny which does not ultimately relate to him, but to something later, larger and less personal: the high walls of Rome…And throughout he has no choice. Aeneas never asserts himself like Odysseus. He is always the victim of forces greater than himself, and the one lesson he must learn is, not to resist them.”
R. Deryck Williams says:
“Aeneas has to be the social man, the man who through his care for others succeeds in leading his group or his society, not aiming to achieve personal satisfaction by surpassing others in excellence, but to use his qualities in order to achieve their success… we may all decide personally whether (Virgil) has been successful in his new creation – and may well decide that he has not; but we must not judge Aeneas adversely because we think he ought to be like Achilles.”