Themes of the Aeneid

Themes of the Aeneid

1. Celebration of mythological origins of Rome. National epic. Augustus had begun time of restored peace, prosperity, religious and moral regeneration. Optimism reflected in literature of the period. But Virgil not just an uncritical, nationalist poet. Very aware of high cost of Rome’s success in human terms.

1. Characteristic Roman i.e. Aeneas (but not a perfect hero). Ideal of Roman manhood?

1. Struggle – Aeneas’ wanderings take him away from his home – emotional centre – to an unknown place.

1. Duty – Aeneas has to subordinate personal inclination for destiny.

1. Furor set against pietas.

1. Arduous task of founding a new civilisation.

1. Death and rebirth.

1. Suggestions of life after death. Much of the vision of the Underworld is very ‘Christian’ in its essence.

1. Greatness of Rome.

1. Fulfilment of destiny, both personal and national.

1. Progress of a man psychologically from lack of confidence and fear to confidence, strength, self-knowledge and true heroism.

1. Movement or cosmic and/or personal level from conflict to tranquillity and peace.

1. Importance of future (personal and national) rather than harking back to past and to the old ways.

1. ‘lacimae rerum’ the sadness at the heart of life.

Themes of the Aeneid

1. Celebration of mythological origins of Rome. National epic. Augustus had begun time of restored peace, prosperity, religious and moral regeneration. Optimism reflected in literature of the period. But Virgil not just an uncritical, nationalist poet. Very aware of high cost of Rome’s success in human terms.

1. Characteristic Roman i.e. Aeneas (but not a perfect hero). Ideal of Roman manhood?

1. Struggle – Aeneas’ wanderings take him away from his home – emotional centre – to an unknown place.

1. Duty – Aeneas has to subordinate personal inclination for destiny.

1. Furor set against pietas.

1. Arduous task of founding a new civilisation.

1. Death and rebirth.

1. Suggestions of life after death. Much of the vision of the Underworld is very ‘Christian’ in its essence.

1. Greatness of Rome.

1. Fulfilment of destiny, both personal and national.

1. Progress of a man psychologically from lack of confidence and fear to confidence, strength, self-knowledge and true heroism.

1. Movement or cosmic and/or personal level from conflict to tranquillity and peace.

1. Importance of future (personal and national) rather than harking back to past and to the old ways.

1. ‘lacimae rerum’ the sadness at the heart of life.