Criticism

[Zoo]

Well actually, I'd like to take this opportunity to say a couple of things and argue with a couple of people. First of all, an addition to TK's statement "many continue to criticize him for choosing duty - which he was ordered into doing by the gods - over personal happiness" yeah well it's called stoacism- putting one's nation/state/polis before your own needs and this was highly regarded in Ancient Rome, people would have hailed Aeneas a hero for doing such a thing.<br>2)"Aeneas was ordered into doing by the gods " ??? well no... Even the god's cannot control what is fated therefore they were not to blame for pushing Aeneas on with his mission. Fate is not to be underestimated in this epic-it is the untouchable force.<br>Thirdly, Kim, "What is to like about Aeneas?" the Aeneid is not a personal epic like that of Odysseus, it is a national epic, a glorification and exaltation of Rome and the destiny of the Roman people. The poem is not really concerned with the life and adventures of its hero Aeneas, but with the part he played in founding the Roman state and with the way in which he embodies the most important Roman personal qualities and attributes, particularly the Roman sense of duty and responsibility (or stoacism).<br>Yes, Aeneas wanted to die in battle with his mates which was in fact the most heroic way to die- a couple of hundred men fighting thousands of Greeks so maybe just maybe there is a chance of saving the country is damn well heroic. Kim baby, what do you think the 1st and 2nd World wars were about.<br>Umm Celine, yeah...Aeneas is portrayed lesser a hero just to show that he is human and humans make mistakes. <br>I always keep the worst for last, MR "Jimmle fix it" you fail to impress me. Just because something is not finished doesn't mean that it's not a masterpiece, (ever heard of the unfinished symphony? Thought not) Virgil was very original in his style of writing. Remember the Odyssey= "aural epic" and the Aeneid= "literary epic"