The influence of contemporary events and circumstances on Virgil's characterization of Aeneas

[摘要] Chapter 1 begins by giving the 21st century reader of the Aeneid insightsinto the innovative socio-cultural environment of the Augustan Age.Following this is an investigation into the societal and culturalimportance placed on the Four Cardinal Values in Augustan Agesociety.Virgil's attitude to war has been a perennial topic of debate amongstVirgilian scholars. The focus of chapter 1 becomes more specific as itexamines Virgil's personal history, the socio-cultural environment of hischildhood and the influence this may have had on his adult opinion ofwar and the way it is expressed in the Aeneid. An aspect of Virgil'spersonal history that is fundamental to understanding his social context,is his relationship with Emperor Augustus. To conclude chapter 1, thisis investigated with specific reference to two episodes in the Aeneid. In chapter 2, attention is given to particular aspects of Virgil's portrayalof Aeneas' heroic nature. The chapter opens with an examination ofVirgil's representation of Aeneas' imperfect heroism, then suggestspossible reasons behind the inclusion of ambiguity in thischaracterization. In addition to this, the question of Homericcharacteristics in Virgil's Roman hero is investigated. Chapter 2 thenexamines the more positive aspects of Virgil's depiction of Aeneas'heroism, concluding with a discussion on the favourable interpretationby Augustan Age Romans of Virgil's demonstration of Aeneas' heroic nature. Chapter 3 is devoted to a discussion of the manner in which Virgil'senvironment influenced his presentation of Aeneas' personalinteractions. Prior to addressing the actual relationships, the chapterexplores the question of Virgil's characterization of Aeneas as somewhatuncommunicative in the epic. This chapter then concentrates on twomain facets of Virgil's portrayal of Aeneas' personal relationships, i.e.those with family members and those with relevant non-family membersthat illustrate the extent to which Virgil's social context influenced hiscomposition of this poem.In conclusion, this study summarises the importance of viewing theAeneid in its correct context. A bibliography is appended.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University