Throughout the poem the reader realizes that Aeneas retains positive qualities that exemplify Roman values. Aeneas manifests three main qualities throughout The Aeneid, the first being his leadership skills. While the city begins crumbling around the Trojans, Aeneas stands against the Greeks by rallying troops. He cries, “Brave hearts-brave in vain if you are committed to follow me to follow me to the end-you see how we stand” (2.409-11). Aeneas stirs the hearts of his men with a compelling speech. Not only is he able to emotionally charge them, but he also brings them to action against the Greeks. The ability to produce a band of warriors in an already lost war truly sets apart Aeneas’s leadership ability. He openly states, “All that is left for us is to rush onto swords and die” (2.414-15). Even though the situation seems hopeless, Aeneas brings a calming presence and rouses men to fight. This adept leadership skill holds value in Roman culture. Virgil wants the readers to visualize how the glorious founder of Rome capably handles terrible situations. This section of the reading flaunts a great Roman’s ability to lead an army, therefore, Virgil subliminally states that Aeneas’s action represents an ideal of the Roman nation. The might of Rome appears in Aeneas’s decision to fight in a hopeless situation. Aeneas not only leads an army, but he also directs a …show more content…
Aeneas’s piety is tested when Mercury brings order from Zeus commanding Aeneas to leave Carthage and follow his destiny. Choosing to follow the will of the gods comes before the wishes of Aeneas. We know that Aeneas loves Dido because he calls her “my queen” and states that he never regrets knowing her (4.379-82). Furthermore, he explains that he must leave because the gods proclaimed that he must. The gods state that his destiny awaits in Rome, and they remind him that his son inherits the kingdom after Aeneas dies. Aeneas even declares, “It is not my own will-this quest for Italy” (4.395-415). Proving his piety by abandoning the woman he loves, Aeneas demonstrates the religious fervor that holds high esteem in Roman culture. Aeneas possesses these qualities in order to represent his nation, and these qualities all are positive in nature. Therefore, one concludes that the Roman Empire must demonstrate excellent leadership, strong family bonds, and great reverence for the gods. Virgil continues his argument when he includes the god’s response to Aeneas’s behavior. Aiding and defending, the gods appear to respect Aeneas because of the Roman characteristics he