Eulogy Of A Roman Wife By Quintus Lucretius Vespillo

Eulogy of a Roman Wife by Quintus Lucretius Vespillo
In early Rome, women held a different social status than men. Roman wives were expected to uphold the household and bear the children of the husband. Since historians have uncovered very little about the detailed role and significance of women in a male dominanted Roman society, it makes you wonder, what was their true value. Vespillo’s The Eulogy of a Roman Wife was written as a way to pronounce the intimate relationship he shared with Turia, his wife. He shared her most admirable qualities and personal values with all to hear, in his final goodbye to the one he loved unconditionally until her death. He created a tradition is which people have continued to say good bye to their loved …show more content…
Even though she was an orphan, she still honored her father by marrying Vespillo, and allowing him to become the only family she would ever need. Vespillo became her everything. Vespillo describes their marriage of 41-years as one of good fortune and unclouded happiness before he voices her best qualities to all. He gives reverence to his wife by remembering as being an immaculate woman. In reading the eulogy, Vespillo describes Turia as modest, affabile, faithful in her duties, enlightened in religion, elegant, polite, modest, kinder hearted, and respectful. They protected one another’s character, name, desires, prized possessions, and fortunes. It was evident through the eulogy that Turia had a genuine compassion towards loved ones, she was even generous enough to take in family and provide dowries for the girls. At the time, a women without a dowrie was a women whom never married. Turia refused to allow her sisters to live such a life, instead she gave promise to something much more. In times of hardship, Turia always remained loyal to her husband and never allowed pride to be an obstacle. She loved him so much that at one point she risked punishment by pleading with Caesar Augustus to pardon …show more content…
Romans held higher morals and values in all aspects of their lives, especially when it came to maintaining loyalty to the family. Through the eulogy, we learn that Tulia maintained impeccible qualities such as devotion and compassion. This is evident as Vespillo wrote, “You gave proof of your generosity not only towards several of your kin, but especially in your filial devotion… You brought up in your home…and that these might attain to a station in life worthy of our family, you provided them with dowries…” Today, there are some Americans who fail to understand and fulfill personal obligations to help take care of family in need. Majority of Americans think individualistically and would not extend such generousity to their families or open their home to family members in need. I personnaly believe that is why America has so many children within the foster care system. Not even family members took in those who needed to be taken in. Americans place themselves first before considering others. Another visible difference was seen in the manner which Vespillo wrote a very intimate eulogy to honor every attribute of Turia that he adored. He practically recalled their love story from beginning til end, including trials, and difficulties. Vespillo shared details of their personal hardship and heartaches regarding their children, he said “We longed for children, which an envious