Roman Strengths and Weaknesses
One essential element of the epic is the catalogue, which is a long list describing persons, places, or events placed in the catalogue for a specific reason. The Aeneid, written by Virgil, is exceptionally accomplished in creating a certain perception of his catalogues in The Aeneid. Virgil’s reason for having the prophetic catalogue in Book VI take place in the underworld is to place an emphasis on how the future of Rome will have its dark and light spots, just as the underworld has dark and light areas. Virgil chooses to include the dark parts of Roman history in this catalogue to remind Romans, including Aeneas, that, although they are powerful, they also have their weaknesses. To start the catalogue of Book …show more content…
He gradually works his way downward by first starting with the rulers of Rome who had many faults but were not completely destructive of Rome or her people. He mentions Tullus, “breaker of his country’s peace” (6.732), Ancus who is “given to boasting, even now too pleased with veering popularity’s heady air” (6.735-736), and the avenger Brutus who “will call for the death penalty in freedom’s name” (6.743) and is an “unhappy man” (6.744) with an “unmeasured lust for fame” (6.746). This description of flawed and imperfect leaders directly after the description of the epitome of a leader in Caesar Augustus creates an unmistakable and stark contrast in Roman history. Virgil is making the point that Caesar Augustus is the best leader in the history of Rome and, therefore, for the remainder of time, the Roman people will have to accept a leader with more flaws than …show more content…
But night like a black cloud about his head whirls down in awful gloom” (6.810-815). Anchises answers tearfully, “Oh, do not ask about this huge grief of your people, son. Fate will give earth only a glimpse of him, not let the boy live on” (6.818-821). This portion of the catalogue is the first time Aeneas speaks and the only time Anchises has tears in his eyes. The account of a young, strong soldier dying in war shows a more personal, human side to war that Aeneas now sees will greatly affect his nation and people. It is not difficult for one, especially someone as important and brave as Aeneas, to disassociate from the true effects of war, but this vision brings him back to reality, mentally and physically. Virgil ends the catalogue with the saddest vision to remind the Roman people that even if they are triumphant in battles, there are truly no winners when it comes to
One essential element of the epic is the catalogue, which is a long list describing persons, places, or events placed in the catalogue for a specific reason. The Aeneid, written by Virgil, is exceptionally accomplished in creating a certain perception of his catalogues in The Aeneid. Virgil’s reason for having the prophetic catalogue in Book VI take place in the underworld is to place an emphasis on how the future of Rome will have its dark and light spots, just as the underworld has dark and light areas. Virgil chooses to include the dark parts of Roman history in this catalogue to remind Romans, including Aeneas, that, although they are powerful, they also have their weaknesses. To start the catalogue of Book …show more content…
He gradually works his way downward by first starting with the rulers of Rome who had many faults but were not completely destructive of Rome or her people. He mentions Tullus, “breaker of his country’s peace” (6.732), Ancus who is “given to boasting, even now too pleased with veering popularity’s heady air” (6.735-736), and the avenger Brutus who “will call for the death penalty in freedom’s name” (6.743) and is an “unhappy man” (6.744) with an “unmeasured lust for fame” (6.746). This description of flawed and imperfect leaders directly after the description of the epitome of a leader in Caesar Augustus creates an unmistakable and stark contrast in Roman history. Virgil is making the point that Caesar Augustus is the best leader in the history of Rome and, therefore, for the remainder of time, the Roman people will have to accept a leader with more flaws than …show more content…
But night like a black cloud about his head whirls down in awful gloom” (6.810-815). Anchises answers tearfully, “Oh, do not ask about this huge grief of your people, son. Fate will give earth only a glimpse of him, not let the boy live on” (6.818-821). This portion of the catalogue is the first time Aeneas speaks and the only time Anchises has tears in his eyes. The account of a young, strong soldier dying in war shows a more personal, human side to war that Aeneas now sees will greatly affect his nation and people. It is not difficult for one, especially someone as important and brave as Aeneas, to disassociate from the true effects of war, but this vision brings him back to reality, mentally and physically. Virgil ends the catalogue with the saddest vision to remind the Roman people that even if they are triumphant in battles, there are truly no winners when it comes to