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How Does The Aeneid Justify The Roman Way?

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The Aeneid is an epic poem written by Virgil that serves as an origin story for the Roman people. The poem includes Virgil establishing the "Roman Way" through a series of battles, misdirections, and dialogue. Generally, the Roman Way is "to pacify, to impose the rule of law, to spare the conquered" and "to battle down the proud" (6.1153-1154). The newly established Roman Way and Aeneas's melancholic conquest of Turnus and his men in order to establish Rome share an imperfect and paradoxical relationship because of Aeneas's actions. The Roman Way consists of pacifying the angry, imposing the law, sparing the conquered, and defeating the proud. Aeneas's shield describes a possible depiction of the Roman Way if successful. Within this imagery, …show more content…

It appears to be blissful as the streets were "humming with festal joy and games and cheers" (8.969-970). The conquered races "passed in long procession" speaking various languages and wearing various dresses (8.976-978). Historical evidence suggests that these races did not succumb to the Roman establishment without conflict. For example, the Egyptians were, historically, a strong civilization that was "violent against foreigners" (Campbell 2016). In order to absorb the Egyptian people into Roman civilization, there likely was conflict. The battles with these races highlight the pacification and "battle down the proud" functions of the Roman Way. Despite the assumed battles, the Egyptians and other races were able to keep their languages and cultural characteristics when they got absorbed. The Roman Way is not merely a way of life for the Roman people, but also a system of …show more content…

1295). Aeneas's victory over Turnus successfully fulfills the "battling down the proud" function of the Roman Way, but it also contradicts the "sparing of the conquered" portion. Turnus admits defeat, saying "you have defeated me"..."but go no further out of hatred" (12.273-1276). Although enraged, these words left Aeneas indecisive as to whether or not he should kill Turnus. Looking around, Aeneas noticed Pallas's sword belt "surmounting Turnus's shoulder" (12.1278-1285). After killing Pallas, Turnus picked up Pallas's sword belt and began to wear it. This reignited Aeneas's rage as he executed Turnus and avenged Pallas. Aeneas's rage itself defies the Roman Way to pacify anger; if one is angry, how can they be expected to successfully quell any external anger. This melancholic ending showcases the imperfect and paradoxical relationship that the Roman Way and the establishment of Rome through Turnus's end share. The Roman Way is imperfect because it cannot control emotions; Aeneas's emotions overpowered his ability to follow the Roman Way. Aeneas said that "You in your plunder, torn from one of mine, shall I be robbed of you?" (12.1291-1292). Aeneas's words imply that he deserved revenge upon Turnus. Continuing, it was necessary to kill the conquered Turnus for another reason; politics. Pallas was the son of King Evander of Pallanteum. If

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