The first four books of Vergil’s Aeneid explore many themes. One of the most prevalent themes throughout the Aeneid is love. Love plays a crucial role in the Aeneid, because it generates emotions and relationships between characters, whether it is romantic or familial love. Love is pivotal in the Aeneid and Virgil demonstrates the act of love throughout the first four books, portraying many experiences, literary techniques, and the impact of Roman and Greek literature.
In Aeneid, Vergil showcases many different types of love. One instance Virgil showcases is how love is powerful enough to evoke a strong emotional reaction. In book I, Juno signifies familial love through expressing her feelings towards Carthage. Speaking about Juno’s feelings for Carthage Vergil writes “ it is said more dear than her own Samos, here she kept her chariot and armor; even then the goddess had this hope and tender plan” (Vergil, Aeneid 1.25-27). Juno’s love for Carthage establishes her willingness to save it. She even calls on the motherland of storms, Aeolia, to destroy the Trojans when they attempt to attack Carthage (Vergil, Aeneid 1.95-100). Juno shows the strength of her love and transforms that love into immense power.
Juno proves love is power, but later love is abused through romance. In the beginning of Book II, Aeneas is very willing to discuss his past with Dido. Dido listens patiently to Aeneas, while he reveals his past. Aeneas even mentions a beautiful vision of his mother, “my