Many characters in Greek and Roman literature are subject to divine manipulation, and the gods’ furor can result in disastrous effects on cities and their citizens. The furor of the characters in the Aeneid is volatile and often dangerous. Regardless of whether it begins with a human or a god, it can leave disaster in its wake, particularly when the gods play a role. Although Dido is subject to Venus and Juno 's interference, she is ultimately responsible for losing control because the motivation for her actions originated within herself; similarly, Amata retains some free will despite being influenced by the gods, and both her future and her city suffer as a result.
Dido suffers greatly as a result of being struck by Cupid 's arrow: her city falls to the wayside and its development slows to a halt as she falls for Aeneas. Dido is described as “burning" for Aeneas, and in their year-long torrid romance, she becomes a less powerful queen (Aen. 4.79). Despite the manipulation by …show more content…
Although both characters follow a similar path, Virgil solicits a much higher level of sympathy for Dido, emphasizing how she is manipulated and mistreated. However, Amata is painted with a much less flattering brush, and is depicted more as a controlling and overbearing mother. Virgil seems to believe that Dido doesn’t deserve to die, using Juno to state that Dido’s death “was neither fated nor deserved” (Aen. 4.812). Virgil contrasts the empathy with the taboo nature of their suicides, which ultimately removes the sympathy that they may have garnered before. The depiction of both women calls into question the stereotypes of women that lack agency, especially in Roman literature. Virgil carefully dances between the idea of depicting them as willful and emotional but still making their own decisions, and falling whim to their weaknesses and the gods’
Dido suffers greatly as a result of being struck by Cupid 's arrow: her city falls to the wayside and its development slows to a halt as she falls for Aeneas. Dido is described as “burning" for Aeneas, and in their year-long torrid romance, she becomes a less powerful queen (Aen. 4.79). Despite the manipulation by …show more content…
Although both characters follow a similar path, Virgil solicits a much higher level of sympathy for Dido, emphasizing how she is manipulated and mistreated. However, Amata is painted with a much less flattering brush, and is depicted more as a controlling and overbearing mother. Virgil seems to believe that Dido doesn’t deserve to die, using Juno to state that Dido’s death “was neither fated nor deserved” (Aen. 4.812). Virgil contrasts the empathy with the taboo nature of their suicides, which ultimately removes the sympathy that they may have garnered before. The depiction of both women calls into question the stereotypes of women that lack agency, especially in Roman literature. Virgil carefully dances between the idea of depicting them as willful and emotional but still making their own decisions, and falling whim to their weaknesses and the gods’