How Does Virgil's Use Of Propaganda In The Aeneid

The Aeneid, written by Virgil during the reign of Emperor Augustus, was intended to be a grand foundation myth for the city of Rome and a piece of propaganda for Augustus. While there are certainly parts of the epic poem that make this goal happen, there are also parts that complicate the idea of Rome as a glorious civilization. While the Aeneid glorifies Rome through its noble characters and success over other civilizations, it also acknowledges the cost of accomplishing greatness, including sacrifice and loss of life. In this essay, I will explore both how Virgil's work glorifies Rome and how it undermines that glory.

Aeneas, the poem's main character, is one of the ways that Virgil praises Rome. Aeneas stands out from the other characters

Turnus is not seen as a normal villain, but as a complex character with his motivations and desires. He is painted in the book as a skilled warrior and leader, but also as someone willing to put his interests above those of his people. For example, when he refuses to marry Lavinia, the woman who has been promised to him as a wife, he is motivated more by his pride and desire for power than by any sense of duty or responsibility (12.65-76). Turnus's portrayal serves as further evidence that not all of Rome's foes are flat-out villains, but rather complex people with their own goals and motivations. This heavily dismatles the notion that Rome is naturally superior and its enemies inferior, and it emphasizes the humanity of all parties involved in the

Aeneas is seen as a wise and fair leader who normally prioritizes the needs of his followers over his own interests. When Aeneas and his men debate whether to stay in the land of the Cyclopes or continue their journey, this is evident in Book 3. He finally makes up his mind to go, saying, "We must seek / other shores, other kingdoms" (3.65-66). This choice shows Aeneas's commitment to his ultimate objective of founding Rome, even if it requires leaving behind a possibly cozy and secure settlement.

Aeneas is also portrayed as a religious, obedient hero who always carries out the wishes of the gods. Aeneas' mother Venus advises him to flee the burning city of Troy and look for a new home in Book 2. Initially, he has thoughts off of not going, however, Aeneas chooses to take note of the gods' instruction. This choice would have resonated with Augustus's highlights on religious devotion and the revival of traditional Roman religion because it not only demonstrates Aeneas's commitment to the “God-like” but also highlights the value of devotion and submission to the