Literature often incorporates physical journeys not as a method of getting from point A to B, but rather as a symbol of emotional development. Likewise, Vergil’s epic poem the Aeneid uses a physical journey to test the character of the main character Aeneas through the entire plot. With imagery and 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 challenges at him, which prove to demonstrate his 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 discouraged, he provides motivation by exhibiting 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 are not just the result of courage. He gets 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 events in the story. We can associate 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 Aeneas' character. It significantly adds to this epic poem by enhancing its effects through organizing all the important elements of the poem, while also providing an easy way for readers to follow along.
This is very good. If possible could you post the actual prompt just so we know what you were actually supposed to do. You articulate your ideas very clearly and your sentences over are all concise. I think you did well with not having summaries over take your writing. I am unfamiliar with this epic poem but you provided just enough information that I understood what happened but that it wasn't the essays focus. You also did a good job with plain style but it falters a bit in the parts the recount the story. Because I do not know the prompt I can not say whether or not the thesis answers the prompt but I can say that your thesis is full expanded on in you body paragraphs. I'd just maybe think about the organization of the body paragraphs because they don't seem to flow as well as the actual content of the paragraph.
ReplyDeleteAgain this is a pretty good essay. You have good details. Although it is a little plot summaryish. Also I seem to remeber Holmes saying that Epic poems are not allowed. I am not positve on this but you might want to double check with Holmes. Also not knowing the prompt it may be allwoed. Just double check. This is a pretty good essay Jiaxin.
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