Essay on "Aeneid for Appearances Only: The Low Position"

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Aeneid

For Appearances Only:

The Low Position of Women in Virgil's Aeneid

Examining the role of women in a work of literature nearly always allows readers to get a glimpse of the social customs of the time period in which the writer composes. In fact, understanding the role of women in a society allows readers to make connections regarding other important aspects of society, in addition to the values of the writer or main characters. The Aeneid is no exception. Because most who read the Aeneid are at least partially unfamiliar with the cultures of both Greece and Rome, examining the role of women in the poem allows others to become more familiar with that culture, in addition to the roles that women played in it. Because two cultures are represented in the Aeneid, however -- the culture of the Trojans as well as the Latin culture of Italy -- it is even more interesting to compare and contrast the treatment of women in both cultures, as this has implications not only for the cultures themselves, but also for the ancient world as a whole. And there is no shortage of women in the Aeneid. In the first book, the reader even learns that the fate of the Trojans is at least partially controlled by two women -- goddesses Juno and Venus. In fact, it is due to "Juno's unrelenting hate," that the Trojans are "Expell'ed and Exil'd" from Troy, loosing their hometown (Virgil Book I). Virgil continues to sing his lament of woe about Juno when he says:

What goddess was provok'd, and whence her hate;

For what offense the Queen of Heav'n began

To persecute so brave, so just a man;

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Involv'd his anxious life in endless cares,

Expos'd to wants, and hurried into wars!

Can heav'nly minds such high resentment show,

Or exercise their spite in human woe (Book I).

Although Aeneas's mother, Venus, eventually reaches an agreement with Juno, stopping here from exercising her wrath against the Trojans, temporarily, in the form of lost battles and storms, Juno represents the portrayal of women throughout the epic poem. Women are seen as a hindrance to men's affairs. Even though Virgil allows women to be powerful, to serve as queens and gods, this does not mean that they are portrayed positively in the poem. In fact, through an examination of Aeneas's relationship with Dido, the behavior of women on the journey, and Amata's actions, Virgil paints women as hindrances to men's affairs, implying the low status that they hold in society.

Of course, when the reader first meets Dido, low status would be one of the most unlikely ways of describing this queen. Similarly, it would be equally incorrect to argue that Dido is a hindrance to Aeneas's affairs at first, as she provides him with the means to reconstruct his fleet. But soon, Dido's love for Aeneas becomes a burden to him, something that Juno specifically uses as an obstacle to Aeneas, to try to keep him from seeking Italy and his fate.

Venus begins by describing Dido's heroic escape for Tyre to her son: upon learning that her brother had killed her husband, Dido organizes a group to flee from her brother's rule and even takes the "treasure" that her brother stole from her late husband with her. In a brilliant description of her heroism, fellow female Venus describes Dido's sailing to Carthage with her fellow refugees as "a woman leads the way" (Virgil Book I). When she first comes out to met Aeneas, Dido is similarly described being strong and of high status. Virgil writes:

"The beauteous Dido, with a num'rous train

And pomp of guards, ascends the sacred fane" (Book I).

Thus, Dido is beautiful, stately, intelligent, brave, and wealthy -- everything that a woman of high status should be. In addition, her love for Aeneas is pure and sincere; she is described as having a "flame" within her veins for her lover (Virgil Book IV). Although the gods orchestrated that love, it is clear that the love that Dido has for Aeneas is not based simply on his looks, association with the gods, or power. In fact, Dido says:

"A man descended from the gods declare.

Fear ever argues a degenerate kind;

His birth is well asserted by his mind.

Then, what he suffer'd, when by Fate betray'd!

What brave attempts for falling Troy he made!

Such were his looks, so gracefully he spoke" (Virgil Book IV)

Dido has these musings while listening to Aeneas tell his story of the Trojan war and the defeat of Troy, and they suggest that Dido loves Aeneas in the truest sense, for all his admirable qualities combined.

When the two finally confront their love in a cave after Juno has created a storm in order to get them alone together, it is clear that they are happy. They are so happy, in fact, that some begin to wonder if they can continue ruling their respective tribes while consumed with such a love. Thus, it appears that Dido is an amazing wife and lover, in addition to being a strong, beautiful, and capable woman.

But when Jupiter reminds Aeneas that he needs to continue on his journey to Italy so that Rome can be founded, it is Dido who stands in his way. In a moment, Dido is transformed from the cool, collected woman who fled from Tyre with a band of refuges, took back the treasure that was rightfully hers, and founded and ruled Carthage with power and prestige. In a moment, Dido becomes an obstacle to Aeneas's affairs, and although he feels bad about having to leave her, he does not consider staying in order to make her happy. Instead, he tries to hide the fact that he is mobilizing his fleets again, suggesting that he is more interested in escaping her wrath than letting her down gently. At the end of their relationship, Aeneas is gone to fulfill his destiny, and Dido, feeling used, torn and desperate, is dead on her funeral pyre, having killed herself because of Aeneas's decision.

These events confirm not only the fact that Dido can be seen as an obstacle to men's affairs, but that women held a low place in Trojan society, as they can be simply used and abandoned. This is especially clear when one examines how Aeneas treats Dido as he is preparing to leave. In their confrontation, Aeneas tells Dido that he "never pretended to the lawful claim / Of sacred nuptials, or a husband's name" (Virgil Book IV). In addition, Aeneas goes on to tell Dido that he wishes he could stay with her, but that his calling from the gods is more important. Thus, Aeneas treats Dido as if she has just been some amusement while he was repairing his ships, something to take his mind of the tragedy that he has encountered. In that instant, the images of the high-class, stately queen are forever nullified by Aeneas's words and actions. This implies that while women may be intelligent enough to hold places of power, acting as rulers and as gods, in addition to committing heroic acts, they still hold a low position in society. They are seen as obstacles in the way of men's affairs and are not respected. Without respect, the high positions that they are able to hold mean little. Of course, Aeneas's treatment of Dido was not the first time he treated a woman in such a fashion. Aeneas's first wife, Creusa, however, seemed to have accepted her role in society as low class and an obstacle to men. Dying in the Trojan War, she informs Aeneas that he should not worry much about her death because he will find a new wife, suggesting that women not only reserve the lowest class of respect, but also that they are replaceable.

This theme is not only apparent among women with whom Aeneas is romantically involved. Instead, many of the women on Aeneas's journey serve as obstacles to Aeneas's ambitions, once again incited by the female God, Juno. After leaving Carthage, Aeneas and his fellow Trojans are forced to land in familiar territory because of the fierce storms they encountered. While Aeneas and the men are busy holding a series of games in honor of Aeneas's father, who died one year prior, the women are attempting to thwart the men's ability to go to Italy and fulfill their destiny, fueled by Juno, who "sends the goddess of the various bow/To try new methods of revenge below" (Virgil Book V). The term "new methods" is an allusion to the pervious method Juno used in order to hinder Aeneas -- Dido's love. Thus, Virgil makes no attempt to hide the fact that Juno, once again, appeals to the women in order to hinder Aeneas's progress. Even before Iris incites them, the women are portrayed as grumbling and unhappy with their lot. Virgil gives this description of the Trojan women:

The Trojan matrons, on… READ MORE

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Quoted Instructions for "Aeneid for Appearances Only: The Low Position" Assignment:

“

i'm going to be doing my essay on the Aeneid by Virgil.

this is the assignment description:the assignment is an extensive analysis and interpretation of a single ancient text, a text wriiten by a classical greek or latin author that deals with some aspect of the subject matter of the class. For this option, the ancient text will be the only text used ant the essay will be comprised of foundation of the paper of the insights and opinions of the student. The papers are expected to go far beyond merely describing the content of the ancient text, though the text should be the base on which the ideas and interpretations of the student are grounded. Secondary sources must note be used for this option in any capacity: the ideas of the student must be rooted exclusively in their reading of the ancient text. Because the emphasis for this project is on the original ideas and interpretations of the student.

please use up to 12 qutoes from the book and provide footnotes from the book.

this is an outline that i turned in on the aeneid

The Aeneid by Virgil

I will be breaking down each book from the Aneid by Virgil. I will summarize each book and analyze and interpret important facts and features from each book.

Book 1

A. Basic summary: Juno angered at Aeneas after finding out that one day an ancestor from Troy would destroy Carthage, collaborates with Aeolus, the god of winds, to try and destroy Aeneas ship as her sails down to Sicily. Aeolus sends a storm towards Aeneas but Neptune, god of the sea, stops the storm and calms the waters because Aeolus crossed his boundary. Venus, the mother of Aeneas, begs to Jupiter, another god, to protect Aeneas and Jupiter states that Aeneas is going to be fine and find his empire in Italy. Venus then basically tells Aeneas to get with Dido, the queen of Dido. Venus gives Aeneas a special cloud so they can*****t be seen, and then sends her son, Cupid to make Dido fall in love with Aeneas.

B. I will discuss the gods and how they interact with Humans. Many of them are discussed in this first book such as Juno, Jupiter, Aeolus, Neptune, Cupid. They all have different personalities and ways they deal with mortals. Juno tries to Kill Aeneas and at the same time Venus is Aeneas mother and protector. Discuss the difference between Juno and Venus. Juno is a strong ferocious female while Venus is a protector.

C. Discuss that gods intervened in human affairs but couldn*****t change the course of their destiny such as Aeneas. Discuss fate and that every man has a fate that no one could alter including the gods.

Book 2

Basic summary of book 2, which include important facts and features of the chapter.

Discuss the role of family in book two and how it relates to Aeneas and his family. Aeneas is willing to give up his life for his family and his father *****Come, my dear father, let*****s leave! Set the weight of your limbs upon my neck. I*****ll support you on my shoulders. This labour wont burden me greatly. Come what may in the fall of events, well share every danger***** book 2 lines 707-709. Aeneas is willing to risk his life for that of his father. Romans tradition put a great deal of emphasis on the family and book two deals a lot with that.

Book 3

Basic summary of book 3

Discuss the many years of traveling that Aeneas and his crew have to endure, and how it*****s depicted in a couple weeks. Aeneas constantly cries to the gods for help because of the harshness of the trip.

Another thing I will analyze is Anchaemenides, the Greek man who was abandon by Ulysses who asks the Trojans for help on the island of Cyclops. Well this may not seem important, the Trojans accept him knowing he was Greek after the Sinon betrayal (which will be discussed in the summary) and what was done. Romans were seen as men with virtue; they would forgive and forget the sins of one*****s race.

Book 4

Basic summary of the book 4

I will discuss how women are perceived in the book and how it relates to how Romans viewed them. Juno is seen as ferocious women not able to control herself or emotions. Creusa, the wife of Aeneas only appears for awhile and dies off. Dido is the only powerful women but is hurt when he finds Aeneas flee Carthage to begin his own empire. Roman women were seen as providing children and nothing more. I think Virgil was trying to show this with his book and relate it with his characters.

The rest of the books will be summarized in a similar fashion and include analysis of certain features that I thought were important .

These major themes will have an independent section such as Gods, prayers, ancestors

Prayers- throughout the book, you see Aeneas praying to the god for help and guidance and when he does, Aeneas usually gets a positive response from the gods. Such as when Aeneas prays to Apollo for guidance between his Battle with Mezentius and is victorious. That can also be said for Mezeentius who doesn*****t believe in gods and has no respect for them. *****how can you scare me now that you*****ve taken my son*****s life? There was no other way you could have destroyed me. We neither tremble at death nor respect and god whatsoever***** book 10 line 877-80. He didn*****t respect the gods and therefore died whereas Aeneas did and live. I think Virgil is trying to relate this to how religious people were back then. The more you pray the better your life will be.

Ancestors/family- Throughout the book there are major relationships between father and son such as Aeneas and Anchise. Aeneas has a great deal of respect for his father, Anchise even after his death. Romans seem to put a great deal of respect of family and ancestors that is showed throughout the book. Virgil seems to be writing The Aeneid with aspects of family that are so important to him.

Gods- Gods are discussed in book 1 and appear throughout the book affecting the lives of mortals for better or for worst. They all have a distinct power and personality to which humans can relate to. Virgil create these characters to entertain as well as to show that gods are powerful than humans, in my opinion. This relates to fate.

Fate- While gods affect the lives of mortals, they weren*****t able to alter their destiny such as Juno tried to do with Aeneas. No one could change of a person fate including Aeneas, whose fate was to build a great empire in Italy.

My main point of the essay will be to analyze how Virgil relates his book The Aeneid, to how Romans perceived things at their time such as the role of family, gods, one*****s fate, prayer, and other factors. All these factors were important in Roman time and Virgil finds a way to include it in his book, by both entertaining the general public and informing of the past.

this is what my teacher wrote back.

Thesis: for this project, you need to develope a cogent argument, a specific interpretation about the material that can be supported and proven by examples drawn from the text itself. In short, this is not a book report where you merely recount what you have read: saying that you are going to summarize, analyze and interpret does not make for a coherent interpretive position. You need to clearly articulate an interpretive position about the materia-a thesis- that will dictate the general orientation of your paper as well as the kinds of specifics that you will raise in the body. The thesis is the guiding, overarching idea for what your study is going to achieve, so it needs to be crystal clear: the greater the clarity in your thesis statement, the greater the clarity in what will follow. A paper with a solid thesis will have strong devolve into an unfocused, meandering treament.

body:again this is no a book report, so you shouldnt merely be recapping what virgil has to say. Once you have a cogent thesis, the body of your paper should be exclusively comprised of specific examples and evidence that helps to establish and prove that point: any material that does not help in that effort-regardless of how intriguing it might be-shoud probably be left out. You mention a varity of different things that are interesting- the gods, family,women-but you need to have a single cohesive thrust for your treament. Once you have identified ans isolated that single idea, you should probably abandon the book by book approach and trat your issue in a more holistic manner. Also why does your inquiry stop at book 4? for your discussion to have a strong sense of authority, you need to know about the material in the entire work: if your discussion is not going to cover the entire work, then you need to explicitly inform your readers about this at the very start.

overall:You have identified a number of promising general ideas, but you desperately need to narrow the scope and sharpen the focus of your treament. Again the best possible way of doing this is to develope a clear and cogent thesis: having a strong thesis would automatically clarify the parameters of your study, as well as allow yout to organize the material more effectively. One good way to work up a thesis is to think about what Virgil is trying to tell his reaers: is there an overarching message to the" Aeneid" ? Is there one central theme? If so, what is Virgil trying to say by emphasizing it? Whichever way you do end up going, you will definitely need to come up with a clear and intelligible thesis.

i have not read the book and do not know what it is about. the paper has to be atleast 10 pages long. Witht the information i provided i hope you can write a paper. I will have to turn it in online to turnitin.com so please make sure the paper is original. thank you.

*****

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