I will argue that the behavior of the female characters in the Aeneid are irrational, rebellious and pose various threats to the Roman cause. The actions of the women are often in deep contrast to the events fated to happen. This depiction of women is significant because it allows the men, who are often the cause of their irrationality, to exist as the rational and restrained beings in this epic.
Dido, the queen of Carthage and Aeneas’s unintended lover, is a prime example of the depiction of women in this epic. Her love for Aeneas makes her irrational and drives her to resist the plans set in motion by the Fates. Before Aeneas arrives in Carthage, Dido is ruling her people with “fairness” (I 717). In addition, Dido “[urges] on the work of …show more content…
Over fear about the eventual destruction of her beloved city by future Romans, Juno aims to stop Aeneas and rebel against fate. For example, Juno attempts to keep Aeneas in Carthage by uniting Dido and him in marriage. However, as fated, Aeneas does leave Carthage and sails to Rome. The “hatred of resentful Juno” not only extends to protecting Carthage, but also getting revenge for a wrong done to her by another Trojan, Paris (I 933). She uses the forces of nature, as well as other deities to aid her in stopping the Trojans. Juno’s irrationality and refusal to accept fate is often offset by a man’s rational approach to the problem. For example, in the beginning of the epic, a “burning” Juno causes the seas to become stormy and unsafe for passage (I 75). However, Neptune makes the seas quiet and remedies the problem. When Venus and Juno use the mortals as pawns for gaining power, it is Jupitar who puts a stop to their interference in human affairs. Ultimately, Juno accepts fate and gives up her “useless madness” (XII 1105). Jupitar, who foretold that “even bitter Juno shall be changed”, accepts her surrender and even grants her wish (I 391). Through the example of Juno, it is clear that Virgil uses the rationality of man as an opposing force to the irrationality and rebelliousness of the …show more content…
In fact, all the female characters in this epic, with the exception of Camille, express signs of madness and rebelliousness. Their actions are often in deep contrast to the rationality of the men. For example, Dido falls into deeper despair when she learns of Aeneas’s intention to leave her. However, Aeneas tells her that it’s not “[his] own free will that leads [him] to Italy” (IV 492). He can’t deny his son “the fields assigned by fate” and must leave for the safe of his heritage (IV 484). His restraint and ability to put the needs of the state above his own is characteristic of the males in this epic. King Latinus, though he would understandably oppose a foreigner taking away his kingdom and daughter, supports these actions anyway. Even Neptune, who sided with the Greeks during the war, aids the Trojans in direct defiance of Juno. In a way, Virgil’s portrayal of the behaviors of the two genders exists to show the superiority of men over women. While women are unable to control themselves and accept fate, the men practice restraint and act in accordance with the prescribed
Dido, the queen of Carthage and Aeneas’s unintended lover, is a prime example of the depiction of women in this epic. Her love for Aeneas makes her irrational and drives her to resist the plans set in motion by the Fates. Before Aeneas arrives in Carthage, Dido is ruling her people with “fairness” (I 717). In addition, Dido “[urges] on the work of …show more content…
Over fear about the eventual destruction of her beloved city by future Romans, Juno aims to stop Aeneas and rebel against fate. For example, Juno attempts to keep Aeneas in Carthage by uniting Dido and him in marriage. However, as fated, Aeneas does leave Carthage and sails to Rome. The “hatred of resentful Juno” not only extends to protecting Carthage, but also getting revenge for a wrong done to her by another Trojan, Paris (I 933). She uses the forces of nature, as well as other deities to aid her in stopping the Trojans. Juno’s irrationality and refusal to accept fate is often offset by a man’s rational approach to the problem. For example, in the beginning of the epic, a “burning” Juno causes the seas to become stormy and unsafe for passage (I 75). However, Neptune makes the seas quiet and remedies the problem. When Venus and Juno use the mortals as pawns for gaining power, it is Jupitar who puts a stop to their interference in human affairs. Ultimately, Juno accepts fate and gives up her “useless madness” (XII 1105). Jupitar, who foretold that “even bitter Juno shall be changed”, accepts her surrender and even grants her wish (I 391). Through the example of Juno, it is clear that Virgil uses the rationality of man as an opposing force to the irrationality and rebelliousness of the …show more content…
In fact, all the female characters in this epic, with the exception of Camille, express signs of madness and rebelliousness. Their actions are often in deep contrast to the rationality of the men. For example, Dido falls into deeper despair when she learns of Aeneas’s intention to leave her. However, Aeneas tells her that it’s not “[his] own free will that leads [him] to Italy” (IV 492). He can’t deny his son “the fields assigned by fate” and must leave for the safe of his heritage (IV 484). His restraint and ability to put the needs of the state above his own is characteristic of the males in this epic. King Latinus, though he would understandably oppose a foreigner taking away his kingdom and daughter, supports these actions anyway. Even Neptune, who sided with the Greeks during the war, aids the Trojans in direct defiance of Juno. In a way, Virgil’s portrayal of the behaviors of the two genders exists to show the superiority of men over women. While women are unable to control themselves and accept fate, the men practice restraint and act in accordance with the prescribed