In this paper I will be examining Virgil’s Aeneid. I will be examining the text’s structure by following specific taxonomical elements throughout it, identifying patterns and consistencies as those elements occur, and deriving a single possibility of meaning from the established patterns. Then I will interpret a single excerpt of the text that best exemplifies and proves the derived possibility. In this text, Virgil tells the story of how the Trojans became Romans not only by the will of the gods, but the will of their people as well. The passage I am interpreting that best exemplifies the transition from Trojan to Roman is the killing of Turnus (Aeneid, 12.965-1265). By analyzing the impact that Virgil has, I will be able to prove that
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Although Aeneas is revered for showing mercy to previous adversaries, it is his time for vengeance (2.204, 11.137). This is the ultimate transformation in Aeneas; he must make the decision whether or not Turnus lives or dies. This is one of few decisions that are not previously decided by the gods and allows for the inner struggle of Aeneas to be shown. Initially, the audience feels him succumb to Turnus’ plea (12.1252-1255). Then, Aeneas notices the belt of the fallen Pallas adorned by Turnus, and in a vengeful fury, annihilates Turnus in the name of his fallen comrade (12.1262-1271). This also highlights something that is shown in the taxonomy. Towards the last three books of the Aeneid, piety becomes less and less of a common element. Now that the gods have led Aeneas, the face of the Trojans, thus far, they are allowing him to have more and more control. Virgil uses this to convey to his audience that the Trojans are not merely puppets of the gods, but they have their own power to rely on. However, Virgil does not want it to seem as if the gods have lost interest in the Trojans, so he allows minor yet effective interferences by Juno and
Although Aeneas is revered for showing mercy to previous adversaries, it is his time for vengeance (2.204, 11.137). This is the ultimate transformation in Aeneas; he must make the decision whether or not Turnus lives or dies. This is one of few decisions that are not previously decided by the gods and allows for the inner struggle of Aeneas to be shown. Initially, the audience feels him succumb to Turnus’ plea (12.1252-1255). Then, Aeneas notices the belt of the fallen Pallas adorned by Turnus, and in a vengeful fury, annihilates Turnus in the name of his fallen comrade (12.1262-1271). This also highlights something that is shown in the taxonomy. Towards the last three books of the Aeneid, piety becomes less and less of a common element. Now that the gods have led Aeneas, the face of the Trojans, thus far, they are allowing him to have more and more control. Virgil uses this to convey to his audience that the Trojans are not merely puppets of the gods, but they have their own power to rely on. However, Virgil does not want it to seem as if the gods have lost interest in the Trojans, so he allows minor yet effective interferences by Juno and