Down Write Funny

Relationship Between the Gods and the Fates     The gods of Olympus, who control all elements of the physical world and manipulate humans to act in their interest, are not strangers to their hierarchy of authority. Their control of earth and sky portrays an image of all-encompassing might, but in reality they, too, are subject to a higher power. Throughout the Aeneid, the Fates are referenced repeatedly as the beings that establish the deaths and ultimate destinations of humans. These three beings possess the authority to write the end of a story, but the gods are able to interact with the process, changing the course of events to fulfill their individual wants on the path to fated destinations. Although we see that the gods and Fates are always working together, it is evident that the gods are aware of the higher power that the Fates possess. Therefore, whatever destinies the Fates have chosen for the people are never altered leaving the end result the will of ...

Does Aeneas Really Love Dido?      The Aeneid contains multiple instances of conflicting emotions, one of which is a struggle between loyalty to a nation and commitment to relationships. This is emphatically demonstrated in Aeneas’ relationship with Dido when Jupiter commands him to leave his wife to found Alba Longa. Aeneas unquestioningly obeys, showing that his love for Dido is second to his mission to found a second Troy. In addition, many question whether Aeneas genuinely felt affection for her due the fact that Juno and Venus manipulated “ Aeneas and lovesick Dido” (4.146) during a hunting trip, which culminated in their marriage. While Dido’s infatuation with Aeneas is already established, the text gives no indication that the king has mutual feelings prior to this interference. However, regardless of his love for Dido before their marriage, Aeneas possesses deep love for his wife even after her suicide. Aeneas truly loves Dido, and although this a...