This section contains 302 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
Of Love and Duty in The Aeneid
Another great example of Aeneas holding duty more dearly than love is explained in Book IV. Juno hoped her plan of love for Dido and Aeneas was flawless. This goddess thought that they would make love and be married, causing Aeneas to stay on the island due to his love of Dido. Aeneas, however, repressed any personal desire he might have had when duty called, showing once again his obedience to the duty of founding Troy, as is expressed by Dido when she says in lines 419-421, "Can our love/Not hold you, can the pledge we gave not hold you,/Can Dido not, now sure to die in pain"" (p. 106) Aeneas seems incapable of emotion, apologizing, but leaving Dido to suffer.
Although Dido is portrayed as a victim, any man with such a dedication to a dream as Aeneas should be held in high regard. It is clear that love and duty cannot fit together, but instead a choice must be made. If one is anything like Aeneas, the choice will always be clear.
This section contains 302 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |