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Virgil's Aeneid

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Aeneid
By Virgil
Written 19 B.C.E
Translated by John Dryden
Analysis
Jazymn Talley
SNHU

Analysis The intention of Virgil 's poem, Aeneid, is to romanticize the origins of the Roman Empire. Aeneid shares many characteristic to Grecian writer Homer 's Epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey. Much of Roman culture is modeled after or inspired by the Greeks, especially the arts. Roman art, writings, religion, and celebrations were on the rise as they experienced a time of rest, enabling them to develop a rich, eclectic culture. The Roman nation 's origins are very pedestrian in comparison to Virgil 's poem. The Romans were governed by the Etruscan nation between 750 BC and 250 BC (Time Maps, 2012). The Etruscan governing and …show more content…

The poem does not mention their Etruscan roots. After the Romans conquered the Greek settlement in southern Italy, Greek culture was fully assimilated. The Greeks had honed their crafts and established set standards for creativity. Homer 's poems come from a Bardic tradition in which there lies a surplus of creativity (Geoffrey S. Krik, 2012). Early Roman traditional storytelling was less abstract. Many of their stories were of humble farmers or military men rising in power. Overall, the Roman nation believed they were bound for greatness (Kishlansky, Geary, O 'Brien, 2008). Homer 's writings, the Iliad and the Odyssey, are tales of two nations in turmoil as their Gods manipulated the actions of Man (Homer, Translated by Butler, 00-10 & Murry, 00-11). Virgil 's writing is a continuation of this epic, but its focus is on the surviving Trojan warriors and the founding of Rome. Virgil wrote this poem in the time of peace among the Roman civilans. Roman peaceful times were sporadic, but these time were due to competent leaders such as Augustus and Octavtian (Kishlansky, Geary, O 'Brien, 2008). . "And must the Trojans reign in Italy? So Fate will have it, and Jove adds his force; Nor can my pow 'r divert their happy course (Virgil, 19 B.C.E). " The Roman people were able to cultivate their creativity at these restful moments. Virgil combined Roman pragmatism with Greek

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