The Tragedy of Aeneas and Dido
Virgil's Aeneid is probably the single most important and influential poem written in the history of western literature and civilization. In the Renaissance, much other Greek and Roman literature was rediscovered and studied, but the Aeneid retained its preeminence. Virgil has been regarded as the perfect teacher, whom all poets should respect and imitate. The Aeneid has offered guidance and inspiration to multitudinous numbers of people. Unlike the Iliad and Odyssey, which are "oral" epics, the Aeneid is a "literary" epic, for it is the product of a settled, highly civilized society. Reading and understanding the Aeneid is one of the richest opportunities that can be offered to any one of its readers. Such poem are intended to communicate a serious philosophical, moral, and patriotic message. One is able to learn about the beauty and mysticism of literature additionally gaining a fuller understanding and appreciation of human life. This can be particularly illustrated by the tragic romance of Aeneas and Dido. Pathos, gender differences, and fate are three forces that interplay in this most famous love story in addition to Virgil's compassionate view and portrayal of a woman's inner feelings.
o a great extent, the tragic element in the story of Dido and Aeneas is derived from Dido's fidelity to her deceased husband and her feelings that it is wrong for her to love another man. However, her passion for Aeneas is not due to an act or decision of her own discretion, but it is a condition brought about by Juno and Venus. Similarly, the attraction which Aeneas already has for Dido is intensified by the spell of Cupid. Dido and Aeneas see each other more frequently, occupying all of her thoughts. Meanwhile, she neglects her responsibilities and progress on the city is slowed. These two characters cannot thus be held fully responsible for their own final downfall. They must be viewed, in part, as innocent victims of fate. Dido is a powerful figure of majesty and almost has masculine qualities, relating to her role as ruler, lawgiver, and arbitrator. As the romance and its tragic aftermath develop, it is clear that she is all woman, a truly extraordinary and noble heroine, and fully the equivalent of the great hero Aeneas. As a result of an agreement between Juno and Venus, the powerful scene in the secluded cavern where the couple is allowed to consummate their love is the climax of a grand passion, and is narrated by Virgil with appropriate dignity and chastity. Aeneas is still a man with human weakness at the outset of this story is shown by the necessity of his being reminded of his duty to Troy by the Mercury, but from this pont on Aeneas begins to transcend the merely human plane and becomes a symbolic representation of the Roman people. The fac
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Approximate Word count = 1054
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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