Literature often incorporates physical journeys not as a method of getting from point A to B, but rather as a symbol of emotional strength or development. Likewise, Vergil’s epic poem the Aeneid uses a physical journey to test the leadership and character of the main character Aeneas while also comprising the entire plot. By means of bold imagery and abundant details, Vergil uses the aspects of a physical journey to embody the great leadership attributes of the main character Aeneas and also to provide a driving force for plot development.
The physical journey in the Aeneid tests Aeneas’ leadership as it throws many twists and turns at him, which prove to demonstrate both his great capabilities as the leader of the Trojan men. From the start, we learn that Aeneas’ destination is Italy, where he is fated to find a great powerful race. However, the founding of this nation is no easy job for the Trojans. They’re constantly thwarted by the wrath of Juno, as she tries to toy with fate by throwing the Trojans off course. Despite feeling heavy hearted himself, he provides motivation by exhibiting valiant strength in times of adversity. Even after Aeolus’ deadly storm that reduces his fleet by more than half, he still finds the courage deep within to offer some words of encouragement and inspiration. He kindly reminds them of how they’ve overcome past endeavors far more strenuous than a storm, and that they must continue on their journey.
However, his determination and drive forward is not just the result of courage. He derives much of his courage from faith in the gods. We see that one of his attributes as a great leader is his strong unwavering piety. He, unlike Juno, knows that he cannot toy with fate and must trust in the gods to guide over him and his men. Though at times he seemingly is punished by the divine powers, his relentless face ultimately leads the Trojans to success.
As well as exposing Aeneas’ many characteristics, the physical journey keeps the long strenuous journey interesting and moving forward. Without the journey, we as readers have difficulty following along. The journey provides a nice linear method of organizing the significant events in the story. We can associate specific important events and people like Dido with specific places that the Trojans travel to. The very dense plot of the Aeneid would otherwise be heavily jumbled, leaving the readers to piece together the scattered elements of the plot.
In conclusion, the physical journey in the Aeneid nicely lays out the plot and exhibits his character. It significantly to the work of Vergil by enhancing its effects through organizing all the important elements of the poem, while also providing an easy way for readers to follow along.
Again, I would like to see the prompt from which you are constructing your essay, while I can piece most of it together I could spend more time analyzing your actual work rather than figuring out what you are responding to if you did so. Despite this small obstacle, I felt that you only improved from your last entry, keep up the strong thesis development!
ReplyDeleteI’m not quite sure which prompt you chose, but I will do my best in analyzing your piece.
ReplyDeleteI loved your introductory paragraph, and I thought that the first sentence, introductory details to the Aeneid, and thesis all flowed well, and I didn’t feel rushed into a thesis, as is the case with many other essays. I also think you chose a good thesis to write with.
I would be cautious about your second paragraph. This whole paragraph is dedicated to plot summary. This can be dangerous when it comes to the ap exam. I know it’s important to give the reader enough info to understand your essay, but plot summery needs to be a not very frequent thing in an essay, and needs to be well incorporated.
In your thesis you mention the techniques of imagery and details, however you never mention them again the essay. I know you address the techniques, and talk about examples of both, but you definitely should explicitly state “imagery” and “details” to make sure your reader knows that you are driving home a point.
In terms of organization, I think that it works well. You devote a paragraph (or two?) to discussion about how the journey embodies great leadership attributes and another paragraph to how the journey is used to move along the plot. It was very logical and easy to follow
Nice job.
Wait...what prompt did you do?
ReplyDeleteGreat intro and conclusion! You have great articulation!
The only comment I have is that in the second paragraph, I feel like youre just summarizing. Maybe just pick a few details or examples that prove your argument and expand on those. Overall nice work!