Virgil’s Aeneid

Chapter 9 begins by introducing Virgil as an epic poet in the tradition of Homer. An account is given of Virgil’s goal to provide Rome with a great national epic during the time of Augustus Caesar. In order to legitimate Rome’s claim to power, Virgil traces the history of Rome back to the hero Aeneas from the Trojan War. An account is given of Virgil’s treatment of the fall of Troy and Aeneas’ love affair with Queen Dido. Aeneas’ character as a hero differs from that of the Homeric heroes in the sense that he is inwardly divided between his personal inclination and his greater sense of duty for the future of Rome. This picture of an inward division recognizes a subjective element, which was not clearly present among the Homeric heroes. An account is also given of Virgil’s portrayal of divine justice and the Underworld. This is contrasted to the account given by Homer in Book XI of the Odyssey. Virgil’s account reveals a greater sensitivity towards the individual and one’s specific actions and responsibility.